Sprout means to begin growing or to send out new growth, like when a seed first pushes a tiny green shoot up through the soil. When you plant a bean in a cup of dirt and water it, you'll see it sprout within a few days: a small stem breaks through the seed's outer shell and reaches toward the light.

Plants aren't the only things that sprout. You might notice hair sprouting on your head after a haircut, or freckles sprouting on your nose after a sunny summer. New buildings can sprout up in a neighborhood that's growing quickly. The word suggests something appearing fresh and new, often rapidly.

As a noun, a sprout is that new growth itself: the little shoot emerging from a seed, or the tender new leaves on a tree branch. Brussels sprouts are small green vegetables that look like tiny cabbages sprouting along a thick stalk. Some people grow bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts in jars on their kitchen counter to add to salads and sandwiches.

The image of sprouting captures that exciting moment when something dormant suddenly comes alive, when potential becomes visible growth.