suckling
noun
an infant or a young animal that is not yet weaned.
suckling
1 American
[suhk-ling]
/ ˈsʌk lɪŋ /
noun
Suckling
2
American
[suhk-ling]
/ ˈsʌk lɪŋ /
noun
suckling
1
British
/ ˈsʌklɪŋ /
noun
-
an infant or young animal that is still taking milk from the mother
-
a very young child
Suckling
2
British
/ ˈsʌklɪŋ /
noun
Etymology
Origin of suckling
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at suck, -ling 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Roast pork belly redolent and tender as Castilian suckling pig.
From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025
But a pregnant or suckling female is especially ravenous and will continue to forage for two for up to 1 year after giving birth.
From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024
In 2015, a research team from two U.S. universities tested tunes incorporating feline-centric sounds that included purring and a pulse reminiscent of suckling.
From National Geographic • Jan. 2, 2024
Run by JM Nixon and Son, the farm had 140 suckling beef cattle as well as several holiday cottages and a riding school.
From BBC • Dec. 15, 2023
“Send women, then. Send giants. Send suckling babes. Is that what my lord wishes to hear?”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
