# seeds

/ˈsidz/ (US) · /sˈiːdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seeds
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. plant parts

noun · CEFR A2

the small objects produced by a plant from which a new plant can grow.

For teachers: the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into another such plant.

- She planted the sunflower seeds in a row along the garden fence.
- The botanist collected various seeds from the rainforest floor to study their germination patterns under controlled laboratory conditions.

### 2. the start of an idea

noun · CEFR B2

the beginning or cause of something that develops later.

For teachers: the initial stage or germ of a feeling, idea, or process.

- The conversation planted the seeds of a new business idea in his mind.
- The documentary planted the seeds of doubt regarding the official narrative, leading to a widespread public demand for a new inquiry.

### 3. sports ranking

noun · CEFR B2

players or teams ranked by their skill in a competition.

For teachers: competitors ranked according to their perceived skill level to prevent top players from meeting early in a tournament.

- The top seeds usually win their first matches quite easily.
- The tournament saw a major upset when one of the lower seeds defeated the defending champion in the opening round.

### 4. planting or ranking

verb · CEFR B1

to plant seeds in the ground, or to rank players in a competition.

For teachers: to sow a piece of land with seeds; also, to position a competitor in a tournament bracket.

- The farmer seeds the field every spring before the heavy rains arrive.
- The committee seeds the players based on their international performance over the previous twelve months.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- You should plant the seeds in early spring.
- The gardener carefully spaced the tomato seeds in the tray to ensure each seedling had room to grow.
- The diplomat's visit was intended to plant the seeds of a future peace treaty, though both sides remained cautious about the immediate prospects for cooperation.

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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.