1. to begin to grow or develop from a seed
2. to begin to develop or form
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The seeds will germinate in warm, moist soil.
• Most bean seeds germinate within a week.
• The idea for the novel began to germinate during her travels.
• His plan germinated slowly over several months.
• These tomato seeds should germinate in about ten days.
• The concept germinated from a casual conversation.
• Grass seeds need sunlight to germinate properly.