Fledgling
'flɛdʒlɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsA young bird that is not yet able to fly well.
'flɛdʒlɪŋ
A young bird that has just grown its flight feathers.
We watched the fledgling leave the nest for the first time.
💡 Simply: Imagine a baby bird just learning to fly. It's a 'fledgling'! It might flap around clumsily before it really gets the hang of things.
👶 For kids: A baby bird that's learning how to fly.
More Examples
The cat stalked the fledgling on the ground.
How It's Used
"The biologist observed the fledgling take its first clumsy flight."
"The fledgling, still unsure of its wings, tumbled from the nest."
Young and inexperienced; newly developed or started.
'flɛdʒlɪŋ
Young and inexperienced.
The fledgling company was looking for investors.
💡 Simply: Think of someone or something brand new and just starting out, like a new business or a new artist. They're like a 'fledgling' – still learning and growing!
👶 For kids: When something is new and just starting to grow.
More Examples
She was a fledgling writer, but she showed great promise.
The government is trying to assist the fledgling economy.
How It's Used
"The fledgling company struggled to secure funding."
"The fledgling artist's first exhibition was a success."
From Middle English *fledgeling*, from *fledge* (to grow feathers) + *-ling* (a diminutive suffix). Originally referred to a young bird learning to fly.
The term originally described young birds, and then extended to describe people and organizations that are new or inexperienced. The use of 'fledgling' to describe businesses grew significantly in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a young bird trying to 'fledge' its wings, learning to fly.