-ling
1a suffix of nouns, often pejorative, denoting one concerned with (hireling; underling), or diminutive (princeling; duckling).
Definition for -ling (2 of 2)
-ling2
an adverbial suffix expressing direction, position, state, etc.: darkling; sideling.
Origin of -ling
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for -ling (1 of 2)
-ling1
suffix forming nouns
often derogatory a person or thing belonging to or associated with the group, activity, or quality specifiednestling; underling
used as a diminutiveduckling
Word Origin for -ling
Old English -ling, of Germanic origin; related to Icelandic -lingr, Gothic -lings
British Dictionary definitions for -ling (2 of 2)
-ling2
suffix forming adverbs
in a specified condition, manner, or directiondarkling; sideling
Word Origin for -ling
Old English -ling, adverbial suffix
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