Yardling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yardling

[ˈjɑːrdlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

young animal

A young animal, especially a horse, that is one year old.

Examples of usage

  • He bought a yardling colt to raise and train.
  • The yardling foal frolicked in the pasture.
  • The yardling calf stayed close to its mother.
Context #2 | Noun

novice

A novice or beginner in a particular activity or field.

Examples of usage

  • She was a yardling in the world of competitive swimming.
  • Being a yardling in the art of cooking, he followed the recipe diligently.
  • The yardling actor impressed the audience with his raw talent.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Wildlife

  • In wildlife management, yardlings often refer to young animals, like deer, that are still learning to fend for themselves but are not fully independent yet.
  • Yardlings are often seen in spring and summer months when they are born, and they stay close to their mothers for safety and nourishment.
  • The survival of yardlings can be heavily influenced by environmental conditions, such as food availability and predator presence.

Cultural References

  • In rural communities, yardlings symbolize new life and the cycle of nature, celebrated in local festivals and gatherings.
  • The term has been featured in various literary works that describe rustic life and highlight the innocence of young animals in their natural habitats.

Education

  • Children learn about yardlings in school as part of wildlife studies, helping them understand growth and development in animals.
  • Educators often use yardlings to teach kids about the importance of caring for young animals and preserving natural habitats.

Origin of 'yardling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'yardling' is derived from 'yard', referring to an area around a house, and 'ling', which means young or small.
  • This term has been used primarily in rural areas to describe young livestock or wildlife that are commonly found in yards or fields.
  • The concept of 'yardling' highlights the close relationship humans have with young animals in agricultural settings.

The term 'yardling' originated in the 19th century and was initially used to refer to a young animal, particularly a horse, that was one year old. Over time, the word also came to be used figuratively to describe a novice or beginner in a specific activity or field. The dual usage of 'yardling' reflects its evolution from a term in animal husbandry to a broader term for inexperienced individuals. Today, 'yardling' continues to be used in both contexts, symbolizing youth and inexperience.


See also: yard, yardstick.