seed 1 of 2

noun

ˈsēd How to pronounce seed (audio)
Definition of seednext
1
as in root
the source from which something grows or develops ancient Greece provided the seed for much of Western civilization's political and philosophical thought

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2
as in offspring
the descendants of a person, animal, or plant the famous stallion's seed can be found on racetracks all over the world

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seed

2 of 2

verb

as in to plant
to put or set into the ground to grow seeded grass in the backyard

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seed
Noun
This profitability profile historically sows the seeds of the next supply glut and subsequent margin collapse. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 Paige Bueckers had 21 points and six rebounds for Dallas, which won seven of eight to end the season to earn the seventh seed and will now try to stave off elimination at home. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
Drugs that would otherwise have moved on stayed in Fiji, seeding this domestic market which didn't really exist before. — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026 Fever fans were also watching the Lynx matchup for playoff seeding purposes. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seed
  1. root
  2. offspring
  3. plant
  4. origin
  5. fruit
  6. germ
  7. beginning
Noun
  • Supporters of the new approach say mandatory treatment addresses root causes, while research shows Housing First helps people remain housed.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The clothing brand, known for its buttery soft denim pants, started in 2002 with the aim to combine British roots with the energy of New York City’s fashion with a modern twist.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • These males with less going for them then pass on their less desirable traits, which could have negative consequences for the offspring.
    — Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The pandas and their offspring belong to China, where they’re expected to eventually return.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of offspring
Verb
  • In pre-industrial times, farmers planted an array of different crops in the same space, creating a diverse environment that mimicked natural ecosystems.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Working with Accursio Farms, the Knaus team will plant 25,000 strawberry plants in the field next to the property.
    — Connie Ogle October 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of plant
Noun
  • In particular, the event highlighted how sharing patients’ health records with federal researchers could benefit the study of the origins of chronic diseases.
    — Brittany Trang, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • By the 20th century, the use of mummy brown had begun to decline, with more people becoming aware of its grisly origins.
    — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 29, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of origin
Noun
  • The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) shared a few general tips as well, including hard work and dedication, having good soil and one fruit per plant.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The primary flavor in this iconic Southern soda comes from guarana fruit.
    — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of fruit
Noun
  • Turn up the heat only when grease, germs or heavy soil give you a specific reason.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
  • If hot water will cause damage, use a laundry sanitizer in a cold or warm water cycle to eliminate germs and bacteria.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of germ
Noun
  • Success can also open the door to sequels and franchises, although Balmaceda said those opportunities don’t necessarily have to be engineered from the beginning.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The early 1970s saw the tide of the conflict shift, with many analysts pinpointing 1972 as the beginning of the second stage of the war.
    — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning

Phrases Containing seed

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see after
seed
seedbed
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Cite this Entry

“Seed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seed. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seed

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seed

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