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

Begin hardening off seedlings about one week prior to transplanting outdoors. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

While that may seem like a vast expanse when starting with tiny seedlings, know that these productive plants will spread several feet by the end of the season. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026

Skip large seedlings and don’t ever buy plants that already have fruits and/or flowers. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

Consider starting your seedlings in a sunny windowsill or in your basement under grow lights. —Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling

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