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.
Volunteers fill in gaps with saplings sprouted from mature trees growing right there on the avenue. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024 There are efforts afoot to reduce elk herds, to give the saplings a better chance at survival. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 18 Nov. 2024 Moving on to matters less likely to be contested by culture warriors, Olivieri updated members on the saplings grown from Hadrian Wall’s Sycamore Gap Tree, cruelly felled in September 2023. Carlton Reid, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Peaches require regular irrigation during the first growing season as saplings establish. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 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 18 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!