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Duckling: meaning, definitions and examples

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duckling

 

[ ˈdʌklɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

young bird

A duckling is a young duck, especially one that is less than a year old. These small birds are typically covered in soft down feathers and are often found near their mother. Ducklings are known for their adorable waddling movements and their instinct to follow their mother into water. They are highly social animals and can often be seen foraging together in a group. As they grow, they develop their adult plumage and transition into fully grown ducks.

Synonyms

baby duck, neonate, young duck

Examples of usage

  • The duckling followed its mother into the pond.
  • We saw a family of ducklings waddling across the grass.
  • The park was filled with playful ducklings.
  • Ducklings are a favorite subject in children's books.
  • A flock of ducklings swam happily on the lake.

Translations

Translations of the word "duckling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patinho

🇮🇳 बत्तख का चूज़ा

🇩🇪 Entenküken

🇮🇩 bebek

🇺🇦 каченя

🇵🇱 kaczątko

🇯🇵 ひな (hina)

🇫🇷 caneton

🇪🇸 patito

🇹🇷 ördek yavrusu

🇰🇷 오리 새끼 (ori saekki)

🇸🇦 صوص (sous)

🇨🇿 kachňátko

🇸🇰 kačiatko

🇨🇳 小鸭 (xiǎo yā)

🇸🇮 račka

🇮🇸 öndunga

🇰🇿 үйрек бала

🇬🇪 ბატკანი (batk'ani)

🇦🇿 ördek balası

🇲🇽 patito

Word origin

The word 'duckling' originates from the early 14th century, derived from the Old English word 'duce' meaning 'duck', combined with the diminutive suffix '-ling', which signifies something small or young. The word reflects the common practice of using diminutive forms in English to denote youth or affection. As waterfowl, ducks have been domesticated and farmed for centuries, particularly for their meat and eggs, leading to frequent interaction with their young. Ducklings are often featured in folklore, stories, and art due to their charming appearance and behavior, further cementing their presence in the English language and culture. The concept of a duckling has transcended its literal meaning, sometimes symbolizing innocence and childhood.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,814 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.