fern

1 of 2

noun

ˈfərn How to pronounce fern (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce fern (audio)
adjective
ferny
ˈfər-nē How to pronounce fern (audio)
adjective

ferny

2 of 2

adjective

ˈfərnē How to pronounce ferny (audio)
ˈfə̄nē, 
ˈfəinē, 
-ni
usually -er/-est
1
: of or abounding in ferns
2
: fernlike
the ferny shadows of locust leaves—W. V. T. Clark

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The terrace looks out over ferns, palms, jasmine, sculptures and a water feature, with St Martin-in-the-Fields church as the backdrop. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The show ended with a model wearing an ethereal-looking off-the-shoulder white gown with a sheer train and embroidered ferns. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026 Enjoy The Hiking And Biking Trails A walk through the gardens is easy thanks to wide walking paths that wind past azaleas, ferns, bromeliads, large live oaks, and a reflection pond. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 Hidden at the end of a long private driveway and enveloped by towering trees and lush ferns, the home is quietly one of Northern California‘s more distinctive midcentury residences. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fern

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf

Adjective

Middle English, from fern + -y

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fern was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing fern

Rhymes for fern

See All Rhymes for fern

Browse Nearby Words

fermorite
fern
fern ally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fern

noun
ˈfərn How to pronounce fern (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce fern (audio)
adjective
ferny
ˈfər-nē How to pronounce fern (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fern

Nglish: Translation of fern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fern

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