ferny

[fur-nee]

adjective

fernier, ferniest 

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or like ferns.

   ferny leaves.

2. abounding in or overgrown with ferns.

   ferny undergrowth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferny¹

First recorded in 1515–25; fern + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Dill’s ferny foliage has also been shown to protect broccoli from imported cabbage worms, reducing their egg-laying behavior.

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Don’t let those ferny leaves and delicate pink blossoms fool you; this one’s a stinker.

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He is also partial to dill’s yellow umbels, its ferny texture and its inclination to sow around.

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The garden’s blowsy beauty is enhanced by plants left to go to seed, like the ferny fluffs of asparagus and fennel, and the tumbled masses of red- and gold-tinged orach.

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She gave Big Pinch a long, ferny branch to wave and made him sit next to the berries.

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