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• suckling
  suckling

  noun

  an infant or a young animal that is not yet weaned.
• Suckling
  Suckling

  noun

  Sir John, 1609–42, English poet.

suckling

¹ American  

[suhk-ling] / ˈsʌk lɪŋ /

noun

1. an infant or a young animal that is not yet weaned.

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Suckling ² American  

[suhk-ling] / ˈsʌk lɪŋ /

noun

1. Sir John, 1609–42, English poet.

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suckling ¹ British  

/ ˈsʌklɪŋ /

noun

1. an infant or young animal that is still taking milk from the mother

2. a very young child

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Suckling ² British  

/ ˈsʌklɪŋ /

noun

1. Sir John. 1609–42, English Cavalier poet and dramatist

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Etymology

Origin of suckling

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at suck, -ling ¹

Example Sentences

We’re prescribed to order cochinillo asado, the roasted suckling pig in the book, and sopa de ajo, garlic soup just for fun.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 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

Prior studies have shown that non-nutritive suckling on a pacifier produces data that can be used to evaluate breastfeeding.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 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

A giant boar’s head came first in order, then pasties and whole suckling pigs, pigeons and geese roasted with feathers on.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli