seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ How to pronounce seedling (audio)
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

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
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.
Excessive clumps on the surface of the lawn can smother new seedlings, Mann says. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them and leave 18 to 24 inches between plants. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 This method of keeping out deer is particularly beneficial when protecting young plants, seedlings, or tender new shoots, as a single feeding opportunity during the night can result in significant loss, says Dayhoff. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 Sliding the blunt, rounded blade into the narrow cracks helps lift sprouting seedlings that are too small to pull effectively by hand from between paving stones. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seedling

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seedling was in 1629

Rhymes for seedling

See All Rhymes for seedling

Browse Nearby Words

seedlike
seedling
seedling-rooted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seedling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seedling. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

seedling

noun
seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ How to pronounce seedling (audio)
1
: a young plant grown from seed
2
: a tree before it becomes a sapling
seedling adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on seedling

Nglish: Translation of seedling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seedling

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