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

Reuse toilet paper rolls as plant collars to protect seedlings from common garden pests. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026

Pinch back young seedlings for a bushier plant and deadhead spent flowers to keep the blooms coming. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026

Caring for the seedlings may mean moving the plants outside during warm days and back inside when nights are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026

The extension recommends moving hardy seedlings outdoors and planting seeds for beets, turnips, and carrots during the last week of February. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 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