: any of a division (Filicophyta) or class (Filicopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations
especially
: any of an order (Filicales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds compare seed fern
Examples of fern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nothing's more peaceful in a shady corner of the yard than a patch of graceful ferns.
—
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 May 2024
Los Angeles: One of the few free public gardens around, encompassing 7.5 acres including California natives, desert, ferns, palms, bromeliads, herbariaum and more.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for fern 
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 May 2024
Los Angeles: One of the few free public gardens around, encompassing 7.5 acres including California natives, desert, ferns, palms, bromeliads, herbariaum and more.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for fern
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.
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