/ ˈsæp·lɪŋ / Add to word list a young tree (Definition of sapling from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Sapling definition: a young tree.. See examples of SAPLING used in a sentence. SAPLING meaning: 1. a young tree 2. a young tree 3. a young tree. Learn more. A tree sapling is an immature tree with a slender trunk. Depending on the species of tree, a sapling can be between three and 15 years old, and range in height from 2 to 10 feet (about 0.61 to 3.05 m). Saplings differ from seedlings, which are trees that are less than three years old.
