Yearling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yearling

[หˆjษชr.lษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal age

A yearling is an animal, particularly a horse, that is between one and two years old. In the context of livestock, yearlings are typically noted for their growth and development, as they are past the weaning stage but not yet fully grown.

Synonyms

colt, filly, foal, young animal.

Examples of usage

  • The yearling was running around the pasture.
  • She decided to sell the yearling at the auction.
  • Yearlings require special care to ensure proper development.
  • The trainer specializes in working with yearlings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Animal Husbandry

  • In farming, yearlings are often weaned from their mothers and begin to eat solid food, marking an important growth stage.
  • Yearlings are crucial for livestock breeders, as this age represents a time for assessing the animal's health, growth potential, and breed characteristics.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of yearlings often appears in children's stories and cartoons, where young animals embark on adventures or learn life lessons.
  • In horse racing, yearlings are sometimes trained and sold at auctions, becoming prime candidates for future champions.

Ecology

  • Yearlings play an important role in their ecosystems, as they can signal healthy populations or successful breeding seasons for their species.
  • In the wild, yearlings often learn survival skills by observing older members of their species, which is vital for their development.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that experiences during the yearling stage can significantly affect an animal's behavior and social interactions later in life.
  • Yearlings who have positive interactions with their caregivers tend to develop better social skills and adaptability.

Origin of 'yearling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'yearling' comes from Middle English, combining 'year' with a diminutive suffix '-ling,' which signifies youth.
  • The word has been used since at least the 14th century, showing the long-standing importance of young animals in agriculture.

The term 'yearling' traces its origins to the combination of 'year' and the suffix '-ling,' which denotes something young or small. The word 'year' comes from Old English 'gฤ“ar,' referring to a period of twelve months, while '-ling' is a diminutive suffix in Old English. Historically, 'yearling' has been used chiefly in reference to horses, but over time, it has expanded to include any young farm animal that is one year old. The concept of age classification for domestic animals became important in agriculture, farming, and breeding practices. Yearlings are significant in these contexts because they denote an important developmental stage where the animals are transitioning from infancy to maturity, emphasizing the need for targeted care during this period.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,459, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.