Suckle: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe an infant feeding at the breast, and often used in a more technical or literary context. Can also refer to animals feeding their young.

• The newborn calf began to suckle as soon as it was born
• She watched as the kitten suckled from its mother's teat

In the context of infant feeding, primarily used in American English to mean breastfeeding. Can also refer to taking care of someone, usually due to illness.

• She chose to nurse her baby for the first year
• He needed someone to nurse him back to health after the surgery

Commonly used term in everyday language for feeding a baby directly from the breast. Generally neutral and widely accepted.

• She decided to breastfeed her baby because of the health benefits
• Breastfeeding in public is still a controversial topic for some people

A broader term that means to provide food or sustenance. Can be used in various contexts, including but not limited to breastfeeding.

• Vegetables and fruits help nourish the body
• She always wanted to ensure her children were well-nourished

This word is commonly used when referring to a baby or young animal drinking milk directly from the mother's breast or udder. It's a more formal term and can be used in scientific or literary contexts.

• The baby deer was seen suckling from its mother.
• In the early stages, a mother bear suckles her cubs.

Commonly used in the context of breastfeeding a baby. It can also refer to taking care of someone who is sick or providing general care. It’s often used in both medical and parenting contexts.

• The nurse was praised for her attentive nursing of the patients.
• She spent hours nursing her newborn.

Used similarly to 'suckle', this term refers to the act of drinking milk from the breast or udder. It is often used when describing young animals or babies in more formal or descriptive writing.

• The farm was filled with the sounds of suckling piglets.
• She watched her infant suckling contentedly.

This term is more general and can refer to giving food to a person, animal, or baby, either breast milk, formula, or solid food. It's used in everyday conversation and care settings.

• It's time for the baby's feeding.
• I am responsible for feeding the cat every morning.