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 young stem
• 7 true leaf

Examples of seedling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trying to get your new grass seedlings to outgrow a spring crop of crabgrass is a losing battle. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025

The warm soil conditions will extend for several weeks, giving seedlings ample time to grow before winter. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

Sequoia seedlings need rich soil and lots of sunlight in areas free of competition from other plants to thrive. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025

The maze’s pathways are carved out when the corn seedlings are only a few inches tall, which takes about a week. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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