sprout

[sprout]

verb (used without object)

1. to begin to grow; shoot forth, as a plant from a seed.

   Synonyms: develop, burgeon, bud, spring

2. (of a seed or plant) to put forth buds or shoots.

3. to develop or grow quickly.

   a boy awkwardly sprouting into manhood.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to sprout.

2. to remove sprouts from.

   Sprout and boil the potatoes.

noun

1. a shoot of a plant.

2. a new growth from a germinating seed, or from a rootstock, tuber, bud, or the like.

3. something resembling or suggesting a sprout, as in growth.

4. a young person; youth.

5. sprouts,

   1. the young shoots of alfalfa, soybeans, etc., eaten as a raw vegetable.

   2. Brussels sprout.

sprout

/ spraʊt /

verb

1. (of a plant, seed, etc) to produce (new leaves, shoots, etc)

2. to begin to grow or develop

   new office blocks are sprouting up all over the city

noun

1. a newly grown shoot or bud

2. something that grows like a sprout

3. See Brussels sprout

Other Word Forms

• nonsprouting adjective
• resprout verb
• undersprout verb (used without object)
• unsprouted adjective
• unsprouting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprout¹

1150–1200; (v.) Middle English spr ( o ) uten, Old English -sprūtan, in āsproten (past participle; a- ³ ); cognate with Middle Dutch sprūten, German spriessen to sprout; akin to Greek speírein to scatter; (noun) Middle English; compare Middle Dutch, Middle Low German sprute

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprout¹

Old English sprūtan; related to Middle High German sprūzen to sprout, Lettish sprausties to jostle

Example Sentences

Hundreds of channels bloomed, then thousands of unregulated streaming networks sprouted.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The trees were sprouting green shoots and to the naked eye appeared healthy — the only sign of life on the side of the street where historic Janes Village homes burned and some neighbors perished.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Aerospace companies are sprouting all across Southern California, breathing new life into an industry that once powered the regional economy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The film’s title comes from a bit of braggadocio — “I’m him” — that started sprouting up in sports leagues during the last five years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s something really cool and energizing about roller skating — it’s the closest thing to flying that you’re gonna come across without sprouting wings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burgeon 
• germinate 
• grow