sapling

[ sap-ling ]

noun

1. a young tree.
2. a young person.

sapling

/ ˈsæplɪŋ /

noun

1. a young tree
2. literary.
   a youth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapling¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; sap ¹, -ling ¹

Example Sentences

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is restoring managed fire in the western end of North Carolina to encourage the growth of white oak saplings and rivercane, a traditional weaving material.

From Salon

To mark the first anniversary of the tree's felling, the National Trust says people can apply for one of the 49 Sycamore Gap saplings to grow into a tree in a space for their community.

From BBC

But now the small team here are caring for about 100 saplings, some taller than 1.5m, and more seedlings are coming on.

From BBC

Grow Monrovia, a nonprofit community nursery and gardens on the grounds of the Maryknoll Sisters retirement home, is providing free oak saplings to residents of Foothills communities from Pasadena to Glendora on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

They preached about the effectiveness of “defensible space,” advocating that residents prune grasses, saplings and lower limbs immediately adjacent to their homes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• seedling
• tree