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Definition of sapling

sapling

/ˈsæp.lɪŋ/
sap · ling
Plural:saplings
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sapling Lexical Profile

sapling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A young tree, especially one with a slender trunk that has grown past the seedling stage.

Example

"Volunteers planted dozens of oak saplings along the riverbank to prevent soil erosion."

2

A young, inexperienced, or slender person (used figuratively).

Example

"The veteran carpenter took the eager young sapling under his wing as an apprentice."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sapling

• Nearby Words

sao tome cobra
sap
sapiens
sapling
sapodilla
saponaria
sapote

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English sapling, formed from sap ('plant juice') and the diminutive suffix -ling, literally meaning a young plant full of sap.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sapling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sapling
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