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Hatchling - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A hatchling is a young animal, especially a bird or reptile, that has recently emerged from its egg. The term highlights the early stage of life right after hatching.

hatchling

/ˈhætʃlɪŋ/ /ˈhætʃlɪŋ/

Definition:

A recently hatched bird, reptile, or other egg-laying animal.

Synonyms:

chick, fledgling, newborn, nestling

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

adult, mature animal

Common Collocations:

turtle hatchling, bird hatchling, reptile hatchling, newly hatched hatchling

Derivatives:

hatchlings, hatcheries

Usage Tips:

Use "hatchling" to describe young animals that have just emerged from eggs; avoid for mammals or non-egg-laying species.

Common Phrases:

hatchling season, hatchling survival, fragile hatchling

Etymology:

Derived from "hatch" (to emerge from an egg) + "-ling" (a suffix indicating smallness or youth).

Examples:

  • 1. The turtle hatchling crawled toward the ocean.
  • 2. We watched the bird hatchlings chirp in their nest.
  • 3. The zoo displayed several reptile hatchlings in the exhibit.
  • 4. Hatchlings are vulnerable to predators in the wild.

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