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

The space also features ferns and a hammock tied to a citrus tree. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024

Prickles have been around for at least 400 million years, dating back to when ferns and their relatives emerged with some bearing prickles on their stems. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 Aug. 2024

Breaks of cedar trees line the bluffs along the river where dense stands of oaks are littered with resurrection ferns and orchids. —Michael Adno, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

The 20-acre terraced garden blooms with over 500 plant species, including 150 azalea varieties, a rhododendron forest, assorted camellias, a fern valley, and arched citrus tree tunnels. —Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 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