noun
sprouting; budding; young shoot
Refers to the act of sprouting or the new growth itself. Often used in botanical or poetic contexts.
春になると、木々の萌えが美しい。
In spring, the budding of the trees is beautiful.
noun, interjection
moe; fascination; infatuation (esp. towards anime/manga characters)
Otaku slang for a strong affection or attraction toward fictional characters, often with protective or romantic feelings. Can also be used as an interjection expressing such feelings.
彼はメイドキャラに萌えを感じる。
He feels moe for maid characters.
このイラスト、萌え!
This illustration is so moe!