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Suckle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿผ
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suckle

[หˆsสŒkษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

infant feeding

To feed (a baby or young animal) with milk from the breast or teat.

Synonyms

breastfeed, nourish, nurse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suckle

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
nurse

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
breastfeed

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
nourish

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

Examples of usage

  • The baby was suckling contentedly at her mother's breast.
  • The puppies suckled eagerly from their mother.
Context #2 | Noun

animal behavior

The action or process of feeding by suckling.

Synonyms

feeding, nursing, suckling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suckle

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.
nursing

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. Itโ€™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.
suckling

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.
feeding

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.

Examples of usage

  • The suckle of the young piglets was a heartwarming sight.
  • The suckle of the calves provided a sense of comfort to the farmers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Many mammals have a strong instinct to suckle, which is crucial for their survival in early life.
  • This act helps transfer essential nutrients and antibodies from mother to baby, supporting healthy development.
  • The sucking reflex is typically present at birth, ensuring that newborns can feed immediately after birth.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, extended suckling is practiced, where children may breastfeed for several years, differing from common practices in the Western world.
  • The societal views on nursing have changed over time, reflecting attitudes towards motherhood, health, and women's roles.
  • Some rituals and celebrations around suckling can symbolize the bond between mother and child, showcasing cultural importance.

Psychology

  • The act of suckling can create emotional bonding; studies show that physical touch during this process increases trust and attachment between mother and child.
  • Research suggests that early feeding experiences can influence later food preferences and eating behaviors.
  • The comfort associated with suckling often ties to childhood memories, impacting emotional well-being throughout life.

Literature

  • Suckle has appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing innocence and nurturing relationships between characters.
  • In poetry, the imagery associated with suckling can evoke themes of growth, dependency, and maternal love.
  • Authors have used the act of suckling as a metaphor for deeper emotional connections, exploring the complexities of human relationships.

Origin of 'suckle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sucan,' which means to suck, reflecting the action of drawing milk.
  • It has connections to similar words in other languages, showing a common human experience around nurturing.
  • Historically, this term has been used to describe both human feeding and animal behaviors, indicating the universality of this act.

The word 'suckle' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'sลซclian'. The act of suckling has been a fundamental aspect of nurturing offspring across various species for centuries. The verb 'suckle' emphasizes the intimate bond between a mother and her young, highlighting the natural instinct for nourishment and care. As a noun, 'suckle' describes the act of feeding through suckling, a universal behavior observed in mammals. The concept of suckling symbolizes the essence of maternal love and sustenance.

See also: suck, sucker, sucking, suckling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,225, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.