germinate
verb (used without object)
to begin to grow or develop.
germinating
-
present participleof germinate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Deadwood-decomposing fungi feed germinating orchids, providing the carbon their tiny seeds don't have.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2025
Yet even though they’ve held a raft of public hearings and workshops on potential new laws and regulations, another plan is germinating behind closed doors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2024
In a final step, the researchers used a chemical process to confirm whether the excreted seeds were capable of germinating.
From Science Magazine ● May 8, 2024
Oddly enough, all the seeds that fall from the plant don’t need any special treatment before germinating and taking over.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2023
I put the drawing of the man with the germinating brain in my room on the wall where I can see it when I roll over.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
