seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ How to pronounce seedling (audio)
1
: a young plant grown from seed
2
a
: a young tree before it becomes a sapling
b
: a nursery plant not yet transplanted
seedling adjective

Illustration of seedling

Illustration of seedling
  • 1 primary root
  • 2 rootlet
  • 3 root hairs
  • 4 hypocotyl
  • 5 cotyledon
  • 6 young stem
  • 7 true leaf

Examples of seedling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Young seedlings require nutrients to support development. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Farmhands in the distance are harvesting hay, not only to provide winter fodder for animals but also to destroy seedling trees and shrubs that might otherwise overgrow the area, while distant plumes of smoke suggest the possible burning of fields after harvest for the same reason. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2025 After flowering and producing seed in late spring, henbit dies, but its seedlings will emerge in fall to grow the population. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025 Trying to get your new grass seedlings to outgrow a spring crop of crabgrass is a losing battle. Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seedling

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seedling was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Seedling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seedling. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

seedling

noun
seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ How to pronounce seedling (audio)
1
: a young plant grown from seed
2
: a tree before it becomes a sapling
seedling adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on seedling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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