MicroRNA (miRNA) is a well-studied small non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes with a length of about 20-24 nucleotides. It plays a key role in plant organ formation, growth and development, maintenance of genomic integrity and responses to abiotic stress. Among them, the miRNA169 family is detected widely with levels of conservativation in plants, and these family members participat into the regulation of a kind of conserved transcription factor NF-YA at post-transcriptional level. They are known crucial role in root development, lateral organ formation, floral organ formation, stomatal formation and stress of plants. Here we reviewed the origin and evolutionary mechanism of the miRNA169 family and its involvement in plant growth and response to abiotic stresses (i.e. high salinity, drought, low temperature and heavy metals) as other stresses conditions. We wish to provide insight of future understanding the biological function of miRNA169 family members responding to various stresses.