English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C1 Advanced

seedling

SEED-lihng
Quiz me More like this

Seedling (noun) means a young plant grown from a seed, especially one still small enough to transplant. Example: “The seedlings need to be moved outdoors once the frost has passed.”

noun
1
A young plant grown from a seed, especially one still small enough to transplant.
"The seedlings need to be moved outdoors once the frost has passed."

How to use seedling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA young, newly-sprouted plant, before it grows into a full plant or tree.

Common pairings
transplant a seedling tomato seedlings tender seedling
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like seedling.
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
seedlings
Test yourself on “seedling” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ need to be moved outdoors once the frost has passed.

Etymology

Formed from seed plus the diminutive suffix -ling, meaning "small young one" — the same pattern as "duckling."

Related words

Rhymes for seedling

See all rhymes for seedling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “seedling” mean?
The word “seedling” means a young plant grown from a seed, especially one still small enough to transplant. In plain terms, a young, newly-sprouted plant, before it grows into a full plant or tree.
How do you pronounce “seedling”?
“Seedling” is pronounced SEED-lihng (/ˈsiːdlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “seedling” in a sentence?
Here is “seedling” used in a sentence: “The seedlings need to be moved outdoors once the frost has passed.”
What part of speech is “seedling”?
“Seedling” is a noun.

Featured in

People also searched