seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

a

: a young tree before it becomes a sapling

b

: a nursery plant not yet transplanted

seedling adjective

Illustration of seedling

• 1 primary root
• 2 rootlet
• 3 root hairs
• 4 hypocotyl
• 5 cotyledon
• 6 young stem
• 7 true leaf

Examples of seedling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Start by bringing the seedling trays outside for a few hours a day, ideally placing them in a spot where they are sheltered from wind and bright, direct sunlight. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025

Wait to plant summer vegetable seedlings outside until overnight temperatures are consistently 50 degrees or higher. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025

There will be free tree seedlings and earthy crafts. —Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025

Add Light and Water Cover the pots or seedling trays with a clear plastic cover or humidity dome, move the seeds under a grow light, and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling

Kids Definition

seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

: a tree before it becomes a sapling

seedling adjective