sapling
UK: ˈsæplɪŋ | US: ˈsæplɪŋ
n. a young tree
n. a person who is immature or inexperienced
sapling = sap<plant fluid> + ling<small or young>
- sap: From Old English sæp, meaning "vital fluid of a plant."
- ling: A diminutive suffix from Old English -ling, indicating smallness or youth (e.g., duckling, seedling).
Etymology Origin:
The word sapling combines sap (referring to the life-sustaining fluid in plants) with -ling (a suffix denoting youth or smallness). This reflects the idea of a young tree still reliant on its sap for growth. Over time, it also metaphorically describes inexperienced individuals, likening them to developing trees.
The forest was filled with saplings growing beneath the canopy.
He planted a sapling in his backyard to commemorate the occasion.
As a sapling in the industry, she eagerly absorbed advice from mentors.
The storm uprooted several saplings, delaying reforestation efforts.
Oak saplings take years to mature into sturdy trees.