fledgling
UK: ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ | US: ˈflɛdʒlɪŋ
n. 1. A young bird that has just grown feathers and is learning to fly.
n. 2. A person or organization that is new, inexperienced, or developing.
fledgling = fledge<to grow feathers> + ling<small or young>
- fledge: From Old English flycge (able to fly), related to flēogan (to fly). The modern sense "to grow feathers" emerged in Middle English.
- ling: A diminutive suffix from Old English -ling, indicating smallness or youth (e.g., duckling, underling).
Etymology Origin:
The word fledgling combines fledge (feather growth) and -ling (youth), originally describing young birds transitioning to flight. By the 19th century, it metaphorically extended to inexperienced individuals or nascent organizations, mirroring the developmental stage of a young bird.
The fledgling hopped from the nest, testing its wings for the first time.
She joined the company as a fledgling journalist, eager to prove herself.
The fledgling startup secured its first round of funding.
A fledgling robin chirped loudly, demanding food from its parents.
His fledgling attempts at painting showed potential but lacked technique.