seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

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

• 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

Meanwhile, without the animal manure that farmers once used to enrich the soil, the farmers’ seedlings struggle to germinate. — Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

Once the seedlings have grown at least three pairs of leaves, they can be very gently removed from their germination container and transplanted into a container. — Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

The Uganda Wildlife Authority distributes seedlings, including medicinal trees that people might otherwise seek inside the park. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

The Beni Princess appears to have been the latest target, with reports that seedlings are being sold on Chinese e-commerce sites – while its application for IP protection is still pending. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling
• wheedling

Kids Definition

seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

: a tree before it becomes a sapling

seedling adjective