fern
noun
ˈfərn 
: any of a division (Filicophyta) or class (Filicopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations
especially : any of an order (Filicales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds compare seed fern
fernlike
ˈfərn-ˌlīk
adjective ferny
ˈfər-nē
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The staghorn fern thrives in high-humidity environments with indirect light. 
Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 22 July 2022 Dicentra spectabilis is pictured here, but for an option that's native to the U.S., consider Dicentra eximia, which has fern-like leaves and harkens from the Appalachian mountains. Terri Robertson, Country Living, 24 June 2022 The fresh, aromatic scent of citrus and fern is both stimulating and refreshing, including a zesty medley of orange, lemon, bergamot, and neroli atop subtle floral and musky accords. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 June 2022 Across from the guesthouse and by the main house is a garden area that Doyle filled with grasses like Lomandra ‘Platinum Beauty,’ asparagus fern and Queen Emma Crinum lily, known as giant spider lily. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2022 The emblems — including the Canadian maple leaf, Australian wattle and the New Zealand fern — were also embroidered onto the dress in color, a first for a coronation dress and a direct request from Her Majesty. Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, 1 June 2022 Admire the view of the cedar and fern-covered mountains that surround you. Sunset Magazine, 24 May 2022 Anemone, astilbe, fern, hosta, oakleaf hydrangea, ligularia, rhododendron, toad lily, and woodland phlox thrive in many mainland U.S. regions; ajuga, clivia, tropical gingers and bromeliads are good choices for the warmest climates. Jessica Damiano, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2022 Normally invisible spider webs and the budding fronds of bracken fern were decorated with tiny drops of water as if placed by the tiny hands of some unseen forest gnome. San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2022 See More
Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 22 July 2022 Dicentra spectabilis is pictured here, but for an option that's native to the U.S., consider Dicentra eximia, which has fern-like leaves and harkens from the Appalachian mountains. Terri Robertson, Country Living, 24 June 2022 The fresh, aromatic scent of citrus and fern is both stimulating and refreshing, including a zesty medley of orange, lemon, bergamot, and neroli atop subtle floral and musky accords. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 June 2022 Across from the guesthouse and by the main house is a garden area that Doyle filled with grasses like Lomandra ‘Platinum Beauty,’ asparagus fern and Queen Emma Crinum lily, known as giant spider lily. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2022 The emblems — including the Canadian maple leaf, Australian wattle and the New Zealand fern — were also embroidered onto the dress in color, a first for a coronation dress and a direct request from Her Majesty. Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, 1 June 2022 Admire the view of the cedar and fern-covered mountains that surround you. Sunset Magazine, 24 May 2022 Anemone, astilbe, fern, hosta, oakleaf hydrangea, ligularia, rhododendron, toad lily, and woodland phlox thrive in many mainland U.S. regions; ajuga, clivia, tropical gingers and bromeliads are good choices for the warmest climates. Jessica Damiano, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2022 Normally invisible spider webs and the budding fronds of bracken fern were decorated with tiny drops of water as if placed by the tiny hands of some unseen forest gnome. San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing fern
Kids Definition
fern
noun
ˈfərn
: a plant that produces spores instead of seeds and no flowers and whose leaves are usually divided into many parts