Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

fledgling

noun, fledg·ling often attributive \ˈflej-liŋ\

: a young bird that has just become able to fly

: someone or something that is getting started in a new activity

Full Definition of FLEDGLING

: a young bird just fledged

: an immature or inexperienced person

: one that is new <a fledgling company>

See fledgling defined for English-language learners

See fledgling defined for kids

First Known Use of FLEDGLING

1830

Related to FLEDGLING

Synonyms: abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, cub, beginner, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin

Antonyms: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

FLEDGLING Defined for Kids

fledgling

noun fledg·ling \ˈflej-liŋ\

Definition of FLEDGLING for Kids

: a young bird that has just grown the feathers needed to fly

Learn More About FLEDGLING

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "fledgling"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "fledgling"

Nglish: Translation of "fledgling" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "fledgling" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: fledgyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: fledgelessAll Words Near: fledgling

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up fledgling? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More