yearling

American  

[yeer-ling] / ˈyɪər lɪŋ /

noun

1. an animal in its second year.

2. a horse one year old, dating from January 1 of the year after the year of foaling.

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adjective

1. being a year old.

2. of a year's duration or standing.

   a yearling bride.

yearling British  

/ ˈjɪəlɪŋ /

noun

1. the young of any of various animals, including the antelope and buffalo, between one and two years of age

2. a thoroughbred racehorse counted for racing purposes as being one year old until the second Jan 1 following its birth

3. 1. a bond that is intended to mature after one year

   2. ( as modifier )

      yearling bonds

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adjective

1. being a year old

Etymology

Origin of yearling

1425–75; late Middle English; see year, -ling ¹; cognate with German Jährling

Explanation

A yearling is a young horse, older than a foal but not yet two years old. Yearlings are generally too young to ride. While the word yearling usually refers to a filly or a colt — a horse between the ages of one and two, of either sex — you can use it to talk about any animal of that age. It might sound a little funny, but go ahead and describe your one year old cat as a yearling. The word combines year, from the Old English gear, and the diminutive suffix -ling, which is often used in words describing young animals, like gosling and duckling.

Example Sentences

The Yearling fire was reported in the 8500 block of Yearling Way in Pedley around 4 p.m. and grew to about 34 acres in about an hour.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

In the case of Yearling and Turnbull, their directors are grandmother and grandson Sue and Mark Wherry.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2022

You can spot Yearling 128 by her signature blonde ears and Spring Cub 132 by his big, slouchy, brown belly and shaggy, dark brown fur.

From The Verge • Sep. 24, 2021

“I thought about a path in video production and it is something I like doing, but I don’t actually think I’m going to pursue a career in it,” Yearling said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 2, 2020

The Yearling pawed the dirt nervously when he saw it; Shawn moved slowly, letting him smell the stirrups and nibble curiously at the horn.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover