fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: any of a division (Polypodiophyta) or class (Polypodiopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations

especially : any of an order (Polypodiales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds compare seed fern

fernlike

ˈfərn-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tangles of leaves topple from baskets of ferns tied to the framing that holds up its roof, and pots of every size are scattered across tables and floors — palm trees, roses, and other green, yellow and purple plants sprouting from their dirt. —Jill Langlois, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025

Another trail leads to an elvish waterfall cascading down a wall of ferns and flowers. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025

The heavy clay soil is wet year round and supports large tracts of swamp white oak and black gum trees ringed by carpets of wildflowers and ferns. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Dec. 2024

Local horticulturalists were brought in to add natural Mexican flora, including acacia wood, bird’s nest ferns, and Monstera leaves. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fern

• bird's-nest fern
• Boston fern
• Christmas fern
• cinnamon fern
• fern bar
• fern seed
• hay-scented fern
• maidenhair fern
• male fern
• ostrich fern
• seed fern
• southern maidenhair fern
• sweet fern
• sword fern
• tree fern
• Venus' hair fern

Kids Definition

fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: any of an order of vascular plants resembling seed plants in having root, stem, and leaflike fronds but reproducing by spores instead of by flowers and seeds

fernlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective