nestling

[nest-ling, nes-ling]

noun

1. a young bird not yet old enough to leave the nest.

2. a young child or infant.

nestling

/ ˈnɛslɪŋ, ˈnɛstlɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a young bird not yet fledged

   2. ( as modifier )

      a nestling thrush

2. any young person or animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of nestling¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English; nest, -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nestling¹

C14: from _nest + _-ling ¹

Example Sentences

We explore historic and natural sights in Lisbon and nearby, including the breathtaking hills nestling the palaces of Sintra.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The study shows wildebeest frequently crisscross the Sand River and the areas surrounding the Ritz-Carlton, even though they avoid forested areas nestling the camp due to the risk of predators.

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The bearded six-foot-two Cuban embraced the five-foot-two Russian, and Khrushchev would later describe the pleasant sensation of nestling in the arms of a bear.

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But for a hummingbird with a broken wing or a nestling with a missing mom, the situation is life-threatening.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Many years ago, her cat had escaped and came back with a hummingbird nestling.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• baby 
• boy 
• daughter 
• girl 
• juvenile 
• kid 
• minor 
• offspring 
• son 
• youngster 
• youth