seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

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

• 1 primary root
• 2 rootlet
• 3 root hairs
• 4 hypocotyl
• 5 cotyledon
• 6 epicotyl
• 7 true leaf

Examples of seedling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the time comes to transplant your seedlings outdoors, take care. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

However, indoor seedlings can develop transplant shock or sun scorch if they’re moved outdoors or into full sun too quickly. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026

This is when your seedling begins actively photosynthesizing. —Kerry Michaels, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026

The buckthorn seedlings that germinate from fruit dropped by my neighbor’s buckthorns and bird feeding would quickly overtake my garden plants without regular intervention. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling

Kids Definition

seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

: a tree before it becomes a sapling

seedling adjective