youngling

youngling

A youngling sheep follows its mother across the meadow.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A young person or animal: "youngling" refers to a young individual, often used in poetic or archaic contexts to describe a youth or a young creature.
    • A novice or beginner: In some extended uses, "youngling" can denote someone who is inexperienced or new to a particular activity.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The shepherd watched over the younglings of the flock. (The young sheep or lambs under the shepherd’s care.)
    • In the forest, the mother bear protected her younglings. (The bear’s cubs, which are young animals.)
    • The youngling stood nervously before the council, eager to prove himself. (A youthful person or novice.)
Advanced Usage

  • "youngling of the stars": a poetic phrase for a newborn star or celestial body.

    • The telescope revealed a youngling of the stars in the distant nebula. (A newly formed star.)

  • "youngling of the tribe": a term for a child or junior member of a social group.

    • The elders taught the younglings of the tribe the ancient songs. (The children or younger members of the community.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Young (adj): in the early stage of life or growth; not old.

    • The young tree needed plenty of water. (A tree that is not yet mature.)

  • Youngster (n): a child or young person (more common in modern English).

    • The youngsters played in the park until sunset. (Children or teenagers.)

  • Youngling (adj): (rare) characteristic of a young person or animal.

    • Her youngling enthusiasm was infectious. (Her youthful energy.)
Synonyms

  • Youth: a young person, especially a male adolescent.

    • The youth helped carry the supplies. (A young man or boy.)

  • Cub: the young of certain animals, especially bears, lions, or wolves.

    • The lioness guarded her cubs. (Young lions.)

  • Child: a young human being below the age of puberty.

    • The child laughed at the clown. (A young human.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated: "youngling" is a noun and does not form common phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms

  • "Youngling of the pack": a metaphorical phrase for the newest or youngest member of a group.

    • He was the youngling of the pack, always eager to learn from the veterans. (The most junior member.)

  • "Youngling's folly": a poetic expression for the mistakes or naivety of youth.

    • His decision to quit school was a youngling's folly. (A foolish act typical of youth.)