suckling

1 of 2

noun

suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ How to pronounce suckling (audio)
Synonyms of sucklingnext
: a young unweaned animal

suckling

2 of 2

present participle of suckle

Examples of suckling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The main courses range from fresh fish such as monkfish or tuna to red prawns with creamy rice, and tender suckling pig with a cinnamon apple purée. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 Here, the menu runs from light ricotta ravioli brightened with lemon to a suckling pig dressed with achiote, sweet potatoes, and marjoram. — Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 As the name suggests, Phillips Avent’s silicone pacifiers help soothe babies’ suckling reflex and tame fussiness almost instantly. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 July 2026 My parents were known for their epic new year party, my mom making hundreds of dumplings by hand, often supplementing that with a whole suckling pig and endless bottles of baijiu, a powerful sorghum liquor. — Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suckling

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English suklyng, from suken to suck

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suckling was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing suckling

Rhymes for suckling

See All Rhymes for suckling

Browse Nearby Words

suckler
suckling
Suckling
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Cite this Entry

“Suckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suckling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suckling

noun
suck·​ling ˈsək-liŋ How to pronounce suckling (audio)
: a young mammal still sucking milk from its mother

Biographical Definition

Suckling

biographical name

Suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ How to pronounce Suckling (audio)
Sir John 1609–1642 English Cavalier poet

More from Merriam-Webster on suckling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for suckling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suckling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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