sapling

noun

sap·​ling ˈsa-pliŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
-plən
1
: a young tree
specifically : one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height
2

Examples of sapling 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.
New saplings sprout from the roots of existing trees. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 18 Nov. 2024 On ground that would become this very park, turf advances quickly across bulldozed land, and 10,000 saplings stake their young claims on the new territory. Zining Mok, Longreads, 22 Oct. 2024 But why sit indoors when there were hawks, and bears, and stars, and even an extremely rare American chestnut sapling to observe outside? Brienne Walsh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Yew saplings can continue growing for a thousand years or more. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sapling 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapling was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sapling

Cite this Entry

“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sapling

noun
sap·​ling ˈsap-liŋ How to pronounce sapling (audio)
: a young tree

More from Merriam-Webster on sapling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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