Definition

Describing an animal that has recently stopped nursing from its mother and is starting to eat solid food.

Example

The weanling foals are beginning to explore their new surroundings.

Conversation

Did you see the new weanling at the farm yesterday?

Yeah, it was so adorable and tiny!

I can't believe how quickly they grow up, though.

I know, right? It feels like just yesterday they were still with their mothers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A young animal or child that has recently stopped nursing from its mother.

Example

The farmer took care of the weanling until it was old enough to eat solid food.

Conversation

Have you seen the new weanling at the farm?

Yeah, it’s so adorable and curious!

I love how it follows the other animals around.

Root Explanation

Weanling is formed from "wean" (from Old English "wenian", meaning to accustom or to withdraw) and "-ling" (a diminutive suffix indicating a young one). The word "weanling" refers to a young animal that has been weaned from its mother, particularly in the context of livestock.

Memory Tip

Think of 'weaning' as the process of getting a young one used to being independent from its mother, and the '-ling' suffix indicates that it is a young creature.

Visually Confused Words