Definition

Referring to a young mammal that is still feeding on its mother's milk and has not yet been weaned.

Example

The suckling calf stayed close to its mother for nourishment.

Conversation

Did you see that suckling baby animal at the zoo yesterday?

Yeah, it was so cute! I love watching them feed.

I know, right? They always look so helpless while suckling.

It’s amazing how they rely on their mothers for everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A young animal that is still feeding on its mother's milk and has not yet been weaned.

Example

The suckling was nestled close to its mother, drinking milk.

Conversation

Have you seen that video of the baby goat suckling?

Yes! It was so cute to watch.

I love how the little suckling kept trying to get the milk.

Root Explanation

Suckling → It is formed from "suck" (from Old English "sūcan", meaning to draw in or to suck) and the suffix "-ling" (meaning a young one or a small version of something). The word "suckling" refers to a young animal or human that is still nursing or drawing milk.

Memory Tip

Think of a young one ('-ling') that is 'drawing in' ('sūcan') nourishment from its mother — that's what a suckling does.

Visually Confused Words