: 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 adjective
ferny adjective

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The mood is relaxed, the reserve of rural England softening under vast stretches of sea and sky, and gardens brim with lush palm trees, ferns, and cacti thriving on jet stream warmth. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Grass hadn’t even taken off when non-bird dinosaurs were around — herbivores mostly would have eaten ferns, conifers, and cycads. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 The specimen tree, which is the centerpiece of the home, is like a living sculpture and complements the nearby courtyard with Japanese maple trees, ornamental grasses, ferns, boulders and a fountain water feature. Emma Reynolds, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Plants that thrive in humidity, such as ferns, African violets and bamboo, can benefit from a humidifier. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fern

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fern was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

fern

noun
: 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 adjective
ferny adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fern

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