Illustration of seedling
- 1 primary root
- 2 rootlet
- 3 root hairs
- 4 hypocotyl
- 5 cotyledon
- 6 epicotyl
- 7 true leaf
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
Examples of seedling in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fall is the best time to overseed cool-season grasses, allowing seedlings to establish before winter.
—
David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Don’t forget to harden your seedlings off first.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026
Keep in mind that the seedlings will look similar to the parent plant but not identical.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
Transplant papaya seedlings to the landscape, keep moist and feed monthly.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seedling
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David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
Don’t forget to harden your seedlings off first.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026
Keep in mind that the seedlings will look similar to the parent plant but not identical.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
Transplant papaya seedlings to the landscape, keep moist and feed monthly.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seedling
Cite this Entry
“Seedling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seedling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
seedling
noun
seed·ling
ˈsēd-liŋ 
1
: a young plant grown from seed
2
: a tree before it becomes a sapling
seedling
adjective
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