Library / English Dictionary

FLEDGLING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Young bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying

Synonyms:

fledgeling; fledgling

Classified under:

Nouns denoting animals

Hypernyms ("fledgling" is a kind of...):

young bird (a bird that is still young)

Derivation:

fledgling ((of a young bird) having acquired its flight feathers)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Any new participant in some activity

Synonyms:

entrant; fledgeling; fledgling; freshman; neophyte; newbie; newcomer; starter

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("fledgling" is a kind of...):

beginner; initiate; novice; tiro; tyro (someone new to a field or activity)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "fledgling"):

enlistee; recruit (any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces))

Derivation:

fledgling (young and inexperienced)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Young and inexperienced

Example:

an unfledged lawyer

Synonyms:

callow; fledgling; unfledged

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

inexperienced; inexperient (lacking practical experience or training)

Derivation:

fledgling (any new participant in some activity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of a young bird) having acquired its flight feathers

Example:

a fledgling robin

Synonyms:

fledgeling; fledgling

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

fledged; mature ((of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination)

Derivation:

fledgling (young bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying)

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