# germinate

/ˈdʒɝməˌneɪt/ (US) · /dʒˈɜːmɪnˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/germinate
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to start to grow from a seed into a young plant. You use this when the seed opens and a small root and shoot come out.

For teachers: to begin growth from a seed, spore, or bud into a seedling or young plant. Extended figuratively to ideas, plans, or movements beginning to develop and take form.

## Examples

- Seeds germinate quickly in warm, damp soil.
- The farmer waits for the corn to germinate before watering the field again.
- After weeks of cold rain, the dormant seeds finally germinate, sending pale shoots through the dark soil toward the light.

## Synonyms

sprout

## Usage notes

- The verb is both intransitive (seeds germinate) and transitive (to germinate seeds).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.