nestling

American  

[nest-ling, nes-ling] / ˈnɛst lɪŋ, ˈnɛs lɪŋ /

noun

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

2. a young child or infant.

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nestling British  

/ ˈnɛslɪŋ, ˈnɛstlɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a young bird not yet fledged

   2. ( as modifier )

      a nestling thrush

2. any young person or animal

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Etymology

Origin of nestling

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

Example Sentences

Churro couldn’t have heard her above the wind, but for once he didn’t bark at her or growl, nestling into the shelter of her arm instead.

From Literature

At 72, Uncle Thing wakes up at dawn every day and weaves around his hilly farm to collect ripened durians, either dangling from trees or nestling on nets close to the ground.

From BBC

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

From 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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Literature

Related Words

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