sapling — a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsæplɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The sapling grew into a mighty oak tree over the decades.
- Environmental organizations distribute free saplings every Earth Day.
- The clumsy hiker accidentally stepped on three saplings while trying to take a selfie with a squirrel.
sapling
NOUN[/ˈsæplɪŋ/]
a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk
Caring for a young slender tree
A sapling grappling with stones reaches for dappling sunlight
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word sapling derives from the combination of 'sap,' referring to the vital fluid that circulates through trees, and the diminutive suffix '-ling,' which denotes something small. The term literally emerged to describe a small tree through which sap flows, originally applied to young trees in their early growth stage.
Breakdown
sap (tree fluid) + -ling (diminutive suffix meaning small or young). The suffix '-ling' is a productive English morpheme historically used to form nouns indicating youth, smallness, or endearment (as in 'duckling' or 'gosling').
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The sapling grew into a mighty oak tree over the decades.”
“Environmental organizations distribute free saplings every Earth Day.”
“The clumsy hiker accidentally stepped on three saplings while trying to take a selfie with a squirrel.”
“The school children adopted saplings and named them after their favorite cartoon characters.”
“My grandmother talks to her saplings every morning as if they were her grandchildren.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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