fledgling

American  

[flej-ling] / ˈflɛdʒ lɪŋ /

especially British, fledgeling

noun

1. a young bird just fledged.

2. an inexperienced person.

   Synonyms:

   greenhorn, freshman, beginner, tyro, novice

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adjective

1. young, new, or inexperienced.

   a fledgling diver.

fledgling British  

/ ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ /

noun

1. a young bird that has just fledged

2. 1. a young and inexperienced or untried person, organization or system

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fledgling Scientific  

/ flĕj′lĭng /

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

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Etymology

Origin of fledgling

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

Example Sentences

The smoldering ashes at the bottom of the building had broken out into a few fledgling fires, and he moved to put them out.

From Los Angeles Times

Iran’s fledgling nuclear-weapons program, already bludgeoned by U.S. and Israeli strikes last year, is now even further from producing a viable bomb.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their fledglings are about one third lighter, even though the warmest days they experience reach similar temperatures of about 16-17ºC.

From Science Daily

Driven by Watt's marketing genius, the fledgling company pulled stunt after attention-seeking stunt, each crazier than the last, and they were rarely out of the news.

From BBC

Getting access to outside capital can be even more crucial for fledgling firms, which have borne the brunt of the private-equity fundraising slump.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chick
• nestling