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

Use seedbeds, plug trays, or milk jugs for better seedling management; transplant seedlings in spring. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

The Uganda Wildlife Authority distributes seedlings, including medicinal trees that people might otherwise seek inside the park. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

The Beni Princess appears to have been the latest target, with reports that seedlings are being sold on Chinese e-commerce sites – while its application for IP protection is still pending. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

And 10,000 is about the number of oak seedlings he’s entrusted to the hands of people who pledged to care for the tree that has become his mission and obsession. — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling
• wheedling

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