Word
seedling
US/ˈsidɫɪŋ/
UK/sˈiːdlɪŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a very young plant that has just started to grow from a seed. It is still very small and needs careful care to survive.
n. a young plant in its earliest stage of growth, typically before it has developed true leaves. Refers to the initial phase between germination and the establishment of a mature root system.
Examples
“The seedling needs plenty of water and sunlight to grow.”
“After the last frost, the gardener moved the tomato seedling to a larger pot to encourage stronger root development.”
“While the seedling appeared healthy in the greenhouse, it struggled to adapt to the harsher conditions of the open field, eventually succumbing to a sudden temperature drop.”
Examples
simple
“The seedling needs plenty of water and sunlight to grow.”
contextual
“After the last frost, the gardener moved the tomato seedling to a larger pot to encourage stronger root development.”
complex
“While the seedling appeared healthy in the greenhouse, it struggled to adapt to the harsher conditions of the open field, eventually succumbing to a sudden temperature drop.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “seedling” in context.
Verb
01. nurture seedling
“Gardeners must carefully nurture each seedling to ensure it reaches maturity.”
verb + noun
02. plant seedling
“We plan to plant the seedling in the garden once the frost has passed.”
verb + noun
03. seedling emerge
“The first seedling emerged from the soil just five days after planting.”
noun + verb
04. seedling sprout
“Tiny green seedlings began to sprout all across the nursery tray.”
noun + verb
05. transplant seedling
“It is time to transplant the seedling into a larger pot.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. healthy seedling
“Look for a healthy seedling with deep green leaves and no spots.”
adj + noun
07. sturdy seedling
“Only the most sturdy seedling will survive the transplanting process.”
adj + noun
08. vulnerable seedling
“The vulnerable seedling needs protection from the harsh afternoon sun.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. tray of seedlings
“She carried a plastic tray of seedlings out to the greenhouse.”
noun + prep + noun
10. harden off seedlings
“You must harden off seedlings by exposing them to the outdoors gradually.”
11. raise seedlings from seed
“It is much cheaper to raise your own seedlings from seed than to buy them.”
12. thin out the seedlings
“You should thin out the seedlings so they have enough room to grow.”
Real-World Examples
“Two seedlings from the last known wild dendroseris neriifolia tree have arrived at Logan Botanic Garden in Dumfries and Galloway after an international rescue effort involving experts in Chile and the UK.” “Trees from warmer and drier climates tended to produce heavier seeds, seedlings that developed more quickly and taller seedlings after one year.” Etymology
From seed + -ling.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/seedling