suckling

noun

suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ How to pronounce suckling (audio)
: a young unweaned animal

Examples of suckling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On the menu are ham croquettes, Segovian-style suckling-pig empanadas, seafood fritters, octopus and filet mignon. Darla Guillen Gilthorpe, Houston Chronicle, 22 Apr. 2020 Dishes like fatty ox tartare topped with white truffle shavings and wisps of blue cheese, slow-roasted suckling pig dotted with creme fraiche, and aromatic black rice infused with squid brought the bold flavors of Spain into sharp focus. Amy Tara Koch, chicagotribune.com, 6 Dec. 2019 Case in point: soppable escabeche like abuela used to make, and a peerless rendition of Castilian roast suckling pig that defies physics with its weightless, so-crisp-it-shatters skin. Benjamin Kemper, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suckling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English suklyng, from suken to suck

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suckling was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near suckling

Cite this Entry

“Suckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suckling. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

suckling

noun
suck·​ling ˈsək-liŋ How to pronounce suckling (audio)
: a young mammal still sucking milk from its mother

Biographical Definition

Suckling

biographical name

Suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ How to pronounce Suckling (audio)
Sir John 1609–1642 English Cavalier poet
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