fledgling

[ flej-ling ]

noun

1. a young bird just fledged.
2. an inexperienced person.

   Synonyms: greenhorn, freshman, beginner, tyro, novice

adjective

1. young, new, or inexperienced:

   a fledgling diver.

fledgling

/ ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ /

noun

1. a young bird that has just fledged
2. 1. a young and inexperienced or untried person, organization or system

fledgling

/ flĕj′lĭng /

1. A young bird that has just grown the feathers needed to fly and is capable of surviving outside the nest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fledgling¹

First recorded in 1820–30; fledge + -ling ¹

Example Sentences

But that may just add to the allure for these fledgling leaders.

From The Daily Beast

Three days into the life of the fledgling country and separatists dissemble on how far advanced they are in state making.

From The Daily Beast

He has intimidated and humiliated the fledgling pro-European government in Kiev.

From The Daily Beast

He also has an LP and his own fledgling record company called Chin Stroke.

From The Daily Beast

For a small and fledgling army, open revolution was inconceivable.

From The Daily Beast

Late the next evening, the hedgehog discovered a fledgling thrush hidden in the grass beyond the alders.

From Project Gutenberg

A terrified bird flew out of the hedge, no further than a fledgling's flight in front of her.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the pinkos call them fascists, but Bertrand de Juvenal, the fledgling ambassador's pal, knows otherwise.

From Project Gutenberg

Hilaire was in Japan, and I—a callow fledgling from the nest—was very sick and sorry for myself.

From Project Gutenberg

You crow loud as a fledgling cock with your weighty subjects!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chick
• nestling