sapling

noun

sap·​ling ˈsa-pliŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
-plən
1
: a young tree
specifically : one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height
2
: youth sense 2a

Examples of sapling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Replacing them with young saplings can take years to restore the same shade coverage, and cooling bills may climb in the meantime. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 After feeding, hornbills can fly several miles before dropping or regurgitating the seeds far from the parent tree, giving new saplings a better chance to grow. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 These seeds later grew into saplings that NASA distributed to parks, arboretums and historic sites across the globe. — Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 27 July 2026 For a moment, the bison becomes distracted and takes its anger out on a small sapling. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sapling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapling was in the 14th century

Rhymes for sapling

See All Rhymes for sapling

Browse Nearby Words

sapless
sapling
saplinghood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sapling

noun
sap·​ling ˈsap-liŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
: a young tree

More from Merriam-Webster on sapling

Nglish: Translation of sapling for Spanish Speakers

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