Wean: meaning, definitions and examples

parenting, nutrition

To wean means to gradually accustom a baby or young animal to stop relying on its mother's milk for nourishment. This process often involves introducing solid foods or alternative forms of nourishment. Weaning can also apply to encouraging someone to become less dependent on something they have relied on, such as a pacifier or a particular habit. The timeline and method of weaning can vary greatly depending on cultural practices, individual needs, and specific circumstances.

detach, separate, withdraw

Examples of usage

• The mother decided to wean her baby at six months.

• In many cultures, children are weaned from breastfeeding by their first birthday.

• It took several weeks to wean the puppy off its mother's milk.