Piglet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piglet

[ˈpɪɡlɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cute animal

A small, young pig.

Synonyms

pigling, suckling pig, young pig.

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Word Description / Examples
piglet

This word is typically used in a general or informal context to refer to a baby pig. It is common to use when describing farm animals, in children's books, or cartoons.

  • The piglets were running around the farmyard.
  • She read a story about a piglet who loved to explore.
pigling

This word is less common and might be considered more literary or old-fashioned. It can also be used in a similar context to 'piglet' but is rarely used in everyday language.

  • The little pigling found a cozy spot to sleep.
  • In the old tale, the pigling embarked on an adventure.
suckling pig

This term is predominantly used in culinary contexts, referring to a very young pig that is still nursing. It is often associated with gourmet dishes and traditional cuisine.

  • The restaurant is famous for its roast suckling pig.
  • They prepared a feast featuring a delicious suckling pig.
young pig

This is a more neutral and straightforward way to refer to a baby pig, and it can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is less cute or endearing compared to 'piglet.'

  • The farmer showed us the young pigs in the pen.
  • They are studying the growth patterns of young pigs.

Examples of usage

  • The piglet followed its mother around the pen.
  • The farmer was delighted to see the new litter of piglets.
  • The children squealed with joy when they saw the tiny piglet.
  • The piglet was curious and playful, exploring its surroundings.
  • The piglet's oinking sounds were adorable to everyone.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Piglet is a gentle and timid character who goes on adventures with his friends.
  • The character Piglet represents friendship and loyalty and is beloved by many children worldwide.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, piglets symbolize innocence and playfulness due to their small size and curious nature.
  • Piglets are often featured in children's books and cartoons, reinforcing their image as cute and comical.

Science

  • Piglets are born with a weight of about 2-3 pounds and can gain several pounds a week as they grow.
  • Piglets are known to squeal and grunt as a form of communication, especially when communicating with their mothers.

Psychology

  • Animals like piglets are often used in therapy settings to promote emotional well-being, as their playful nature can uplift spirits.
  • Research shows that interacting with baby animals can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection.

Origin of 'piglet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'piglet' comes from combining 'pig' with the diminutive suffix '-let', meaning little.
  • Historically, the term has been used since the late 15th century to refer to young pigs.

The word 'piglet' originated from the Middle English word 'pigge' meaning a young pig and the diminutive suffix '-let'. Piglets are the offspring of pigs and are known for their cute and playful nature. They are often associated with farms and rural settings, where they are raised for meat or breeding purposes.


See also: pig, piggy, pigheaded, pigling, pigment, pigpen, pigsty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,920 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.