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 young stem
  • 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.
Pinch flowers and flower buds off seedlings before planting seedlings. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 Use a diluted cinnamon spray to fight fungal diseases such as gray mold and tomato blight, and help protect young seedlings from damping off. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2025 Plant six seeds to a mound and thin to the three most robust seedlings that develop. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 Vermiculite used in seed-starting mixes and as a top dressing when starting seeds greatly reduces problems with damping off, a fungal problem common in seedlings. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Seedling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seedling. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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