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
The tree was probably a sapling when this person was laid to rest, but nature took its course.
—
Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
The sequoia saplings destined for Detroit are clones of two giants known as Stagg — the world’s fifth-largest tree — and Waterfall, of the Alder Creek grove, about 150 miles north of Los Angeles.
—Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
The White House has planted a new sapling to replace an ancient magnolia named for President Andrew Jackson.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The National Trust intends to give out 49 saplings next year to spread the tree’s legacy.
—Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sapling
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Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
The sequoia saplings destined for Detroit are clones of two giants known as Stagg — the world’s fifth-largest tree — and Waterfall, of the Alder Creek grove, about 150 miles north of Los Angeles.
—Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
The White House has planted a new sapling to replace an ancient magnolia named for President Andrew Jackson.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The National Trust intends to give out 49 saplings next year to spread the tree’s legacy.
—Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sapling
Cite this Entry
“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sapling
noun
sap·ling
ˈsap-liŋ 
: a young tree
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