Sapling
/ˈsæp.lɪŋ/noun
A young tree or woody plant, especially one recently planted or growing naturally.
Did you know?The word combines sap with the Middle English diminutive suffix -ling, while sap ultimately belongs to an ancient Indo-European family connected with tasting, sensing, and wisdom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sap-
“To taste, perceive, or discern; a reconstructed root associated with sensing and knowledge.”
Old English
Old English
sæp
“The fluid or juice flowing within plants.”
Middle English
Middle English
sap
“The vital juice of a tree or plant.”
Middle English
Middle English
saplyng
“A young tree; literally, a young plant associated with sap.”
Modern English
English
sapling
“A young tree or woody plant.”