sapling

noun

sap·​ling ˈsa-pliŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
-plən
1
: a young tree
specifically : one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height
2

Examples of sapling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Grow Monrovia, a nonprofit community nursery and gardens on the grounds of the Maryknoll Sisters retirement home, is providing free oak saplings to residents of Foothills communities from Pasadena to Glendora on Oct. 7, 16, 21 and 28. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 That work includes setting up a lab to grow coral for the creation of new reefs and, by 2030, planting more than 50 million mangroves, plus 30 million saplings and shrubs, to improve green cover and reduce erosion. Prasad Ramamurthy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2024 This helps conserve soil moisture and manages weeds that compete with saplings for water and nutrients. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2024 Now, 49 saplings—each representing a foot of the tree’s height—will be given to groups across the United Kingdom. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sapling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sapling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapling was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sapling

Cite this Entry

“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sapling

noun
sap·​ling ˈsap-liŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
: a young tree

More from Merriam-Webster on sapling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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