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

With a bit of extra work and patience, these seedlings will soon flourish and provide the perfect harvests. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026

Sow and Tell Plant all your seeds, and keep inexpensive pots on hand to share any extra seedlings with friends. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026

If more than one seedling grows to a cell or container, one should be removed and transplanted. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

Once temperatures stay above freezing, transplant seedling clusters into your garden 2–8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 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