Seedling: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is generally used for very young plants that have recently germinated from seeds. It's common in gardening and agriculture contexts.

• The seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy.
• She transferred the seedlings from the greenhouse to the garden bed.

A sapling refers to a young tree, usually a few years old, that is still in its juvenile stage. This word is often used in the context of forestry or reforestation projects.

• They planted hundreds of saplings to restore the forest.
• The sapling grew into a mighty oak after many years.

Young plant is a more general term that can refer to any plant that is in the early stages of growth, but is past the initial seedling stage. It's useful when the exact stage of growth is less important.

• The young plants require regular watering and care.
• Young plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Sprout refers to a very new growth from a seed or plant. It's often used when discussing the first small shoots that appear. This term can also be used metaphorically for new ideas or projects.

• The beans began to sprout within a few days of planting.
• New innovations continue to sprout in the tech industry.

Used when talking about young plants or metaphorically about someone new and growing in a certain field.

• The garden was full of seedlings ready to be planted.
• As a seedling in the tech industry, she still had a lot to learn.

Often used in situations where someone is inexperienced, usually in a more formal or specialized context.

• She joined the hiking club as a novice.
• The novice writer attended workshops to improve his skills.

Commonly used in a general context to describe someone who has just started doing something.

• He is a beginner in playing the guitar.
• This class is for beginners who want to learn the basics of cooking.

Commonly used in casual or informal settings, especially in sports or professions, to describe someone who is new and still learning the ropes.

• The rookie made a lot of mistakes in his first game.
• As a rookie journalist, he was eager to cover his first big story.