noun
Uncommon
fern
furn
Fern (noun) means a leafy green plant with no flowers or seeds that reproduces by releasing tiny spores, often found in shady, damp places. Example: “Ferns grew thick along the shaded riverbank.”
noun
1
A leafy green plant with no flowers or seeds that reproduces by releasing tiny spores, often found in shady, damp places.
"Ferns grew thick along the shaded riverbank."
"She kept a potted fern on the windowsill."
How to use fern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA green, leafy plant with feathery fronds that grows from spores rather than seeds or flowers.
Common pairings
a fern frond
potted fern
ferns and mosses
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like fern.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ferns
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ grew thick along the shaded riverbank.
Etymology
From Old English fearn, tracing back to a very old Indo-European word for "feather" or "leaf" — a nod to the plant's feathery fronds.
Rhymes for fern
See all rhymes for fern →Frequently asked questions
What does “fern” mean?
The word “fern” means a leafy green plant with no flowers or seeds that reproduces by releasing tiny spores, often found in shady, damp places. In plain terms, a green, leafy plant with feathery fronds that grows from spores rather than seeds or flowers.
How do you pronounce “fern”?
“Fern” is pronounced furn (/fɝn/ in IPA).
How do you use “fern” in a sentence?
Here is “fern” used in a sentence: “Ferns grew thick along the shaded riverbank.”
What part of speech is “fern”?
“Fern” is a noun.
Where does the word “fern” come from?
The word “fern” comes from Old English. From Old English fearn, tracing back to a very old Indo-European word for "feather" or "leaf" — a nod to the plant's feathery fronds.
Is “fern” a common word?
“Fern” is an uncommon word in modern English.
