sprout

[ sprout ]

verb (used without object)

1. to begin to grow; shoot forth, as a plant from a seed.

   Synonyms: develop, burgeon, bud, spring

2. (of a seed or plant) to put forth buds or shoots.
3. to develop or grow quickly:

   a boy awkwardly sprouting into manhood.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to sprout.
2. to remove sprouts from:

   Sprout and boil the potatoes.

noun

1. a shoot of a plant.
2. a new growth from a germinating seed, or from a rootstock, tuber, bud, or the like.
3. something resembling or suggesting a sprout, as in growth.
4. a young person; youth.
5. sprouts,
   1. the young shoots of alfalfa, soybeans, etc., eaten as a raw vegetable.
   2. Brussels sprout.

sprout

/ spraʊt /

verb

1. (of a plant, seed, etc) to produce (new leaves, shoots, etc)
2. introften foll byup to begin to grow or develop

   new office blocks are sprouting up all over the city

noun

1. a newly grown shoot or bud
2. something that grows like a sprout
3. See Brussels sprout

Other Words From

• non·sprouting adjective
• re·sprout verb
• under·sprout noun
• under·sprout verb (used without object)
• un·sprouted adjective
• un·sprouting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprout¹

1150–1200; (v.) Middle English spr ( o ) uten, Old English -sprūtan, in āsproten (past participle; a- ³ ); cognate with Middle Dutch sprūten, German spriessen to sprout; akin to Greek speírein to scatter; (noun) Middle English; compare Middle Dutch, Middle Low German sprute

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprout¹

Old English sprūtan; related to Middle High German sprūzen to sprout, Lettish sprausties to jostle

Example Sentences

Tufts of black lambswool and recycled nylon sprout up in contrast to the conventional ribbed beanie brim, an homage to the overactive crown chakra that is every Sagittarian’s secret weapon and downfall.

From Los Angeles Times

Often, in spite of its spoiled political terrain, L.A., like the bird of paradise, found a way to sprout.

From Los Angeles Times

But she lost political clout as property and retail theft grew more brazen and homeless encampments sprouted beyond downtown’s borders and through all corners of the city.

From Los Angeles Times

But we morph in unexpected ways, like the natural landscape around us, contracting and expanding, cracking in places, melting in others and ultimately sprouting with new life.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, she called home from Hemet, a former farming town now sprouting strip malls and tract houses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burgeon
• germinate
• grow