suckling

noun

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

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.
The quiet, rhythmic suckling that babies do when feeding. — Aisha Muharrar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025 As the deck crew struggles to keep their head above water, Josh spends two days on a cochinillo, a Spanish-style suckling pig. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 Their texture and design mimics a nipple, so babies respond well to the familiar suckling apparatus. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 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

Middle English suklyng, from suken to suck

First Known Use

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

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Cite this Entry

“Suckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suckling. Accessed 8 Jul. 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
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