Boston fern

noun

: a luxuriant fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) often with drooping much-divided fronds

Examples of Boston fern 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.
The same Boston fern, for example, appears in Lisa Eldred Steinkopf’s family photos dating back to the 1960s. Lauren David, Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2023 Each basket comes with four bunches of Boston fern leaves, seven flower bunches, one faux grass base, and one metal basket. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2023 It can be used outdoors or indoors and is perfect for adding cascading greenery like a String of Dolphins succulent or Boston fern. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2023 Give Boston fern part sun, shielding it from intense afternoon sun. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 13 May 2023 An outdoor hanging plant classic, the Boston fern's voluminous greenery looks equally at home indoors. Kate McGregor, housebeautiful.com, 21 Apr. 2023 Many ferns, such as Boston ferns, are difficult, too. Karen Hugg, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Feb. 2023 Others, like Boston fern, gardenia, and citrus will be fine with temperatures into the 50s. Miri Talabac, baltimoresun.com, 16 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boston fern was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near Boston fern

Cite this Entry

“Boston fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boston%20fern. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!