Definition

1. Noun:

   • A young mammal that has not yet been weaned: An animal, especially a baby, that is still feeding on its mother's milk.
   • The act of feeding an infant or young animal by giving suck at the breast: The process of nursing or breastfeeding.
   • (Archaic/Literary) An infant considered in relation to its nurse: A very young child who is being nursed.

2. Proper Noun:

   • Sir John Suckling: An English poet and courtier (1609-1642).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Young Mammal):

  • The farmer separated the suckling from its mother.
  • The piglets are still sucklings.

• Noun (Act of Feeding):

  • The suckling of the newborn calf is essential for its immunity.

• Noun (Infant):

  • The wet nurse cared for the suckling as if it were her own.

Advanced Usage

• "Suckling pig": A young pig that is still feeding on its mother's milk, often roasted whole as a dish.
  • The traditional feast featured a roasted suckling pig.

Variants and Related Words

• Suckle (verb): To feed a baby or young animal from the breast or udder.
  • The mother cat will suckle her kittens for several weeks.

Synonyms

• Nursling: A child or young animal that is being nursed.
• Infant: A very young child or baby.
• Neonate: A newborn child or mammal.

Related Phrases

• Babes and sucklings: A phrase (from the Bible) meaning very young and innocent people, often used to imply simplicity or lack of guile.
  • The truth is often spoken by babes and sucklings.

Noun

1. feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast
2. a young mammal that has not been weaned
3. an infant considered in relation to its nurse
4. English poet and courtier (1609-1642)