What does sprout mean?
A sprout is the young shoot or new growth of a plant, such as the small green stem that emerges from a germinating seed. The same word can also be a verb: a seed sprouts when it begins to grow, while an idea or project may sprout when it first develops. Literal uses are common in gardening, agriculture, and discussions of food, as in “bean sprouts,” while figurative uses describe anything emerging into existence. “The plan sprouted overnight” suggests that it appeared or developed rapidly, sometimes with a hint of surprise. The word is natural in both British and American English and carries generally positive connotations when applied to new growth. It can imply healthy development, although context determines whether that development is vigorous, unexpected, or simply recent.
A young shoot, seedling, or new growth emerging from a seed, stem, or root.
"The gardener carefully covered each delicate sprout with soil."
The noun is literal in botanical and agricultural contexts and can be used figuratively for something in an early stage of development.
To begin growing, developing, or emerging, especially as a plant produces new growth.
"New leaves began to sprout along the vine."
Figurative uses often describe the rapid or unexpected emergence of an idea, plan, business, or other development.
The regular plural is used for individual young shoots or plants and, figuratively, for newly developing ideas or projects.
"Fresh sprouts appeared in the vegetable bed after several days."
A plant's first green burst and a bicycle gear share an ancestral idea: the old Germanic sense of a shoot, spike, or projecting point.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sprout come from?
The noun comes from Old English sprōt, meaning a shoot or twig. It belongs to a Germanic family that also includes Dutch spruit and German Spross, both referring to shoots or new growth. English later extended the word to the new plant growth produced during germination and to the action of beginning to grow; Middle English sprot also contributed to the development of sprocket.
Related word forms
How sprout is actually used
The verb is used both literally of plants and figuratively of ideas, projects, or developments. Its figurative use often suggests growth that is quick, noticeable, or unexpectedly successful.
Easily confused with sprout
A sprout is new plant growth or something beginning to develop, whereas a spout is an opening or projecting tube from which liquid or other material emerges.