Nestling

/ˈnɛst.lɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A young bird that has not yet acquired its feathers and is still dependent on its parents.

The mother bird returned to the nest to feed the nestling.

A young or inexperienced person.

The coach was patient with the nestlings on the team, understanding their need for guidance.

A plant or fungus in its early stages of growth.

The garden was filled with beautiful flowers, but the nestlings of the new seedlings were still delicate.

Derived from the verb 'nest' combined with the diminutive suffix '-ling'.

nestling stage

The early phase of development where one relies on others.

to be as safe as a nestling

To be in a very safe or protected situation.

nestle into

To settle comfortably in a place.

fledge

To develop wing feathers that are large enough for flight.

nest

A structure built by birds to hold their eggs and young.

brood

A group of young birds hatched at the same time.

A term used to refer to a new or inexperienced person in a field.

In the office, he was treated like a nestling, still learning the ropes.