suckle

[ suhk-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, suck·led, suck·ling.

1. to nurse at the breast or udder.
2. to nourish or bring up.
3. to put to suck.

verb (used without object)

, suck·led, suck·ling.

1. to suck at the breast or udder.

suckle

/ ˈsʌkəl /

verb

1. to give (a baby or young animal) milk from the breast or (of a baby, etc) to suck milk from the breast
2. tr to bring up; nurture

Derived Forms

• ˈsuckler, noun

Other Words From

• un·suckled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suckle¹

1375–1425; late Middle English sucklen; suck, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of suckle¹

C15: probably back formation from suckling

Example Sentences

Mazakpwe cited a range of lactation issues mothers can face, from sore nipples to babies born too sick or too weak to suckle and stimulate milk production.

From Seattle Times

“There is no food or water. Sometimes I have nothing to give the kids,” she said as her 14-month-old suckled on her deflated breast.

From Seattle Times

I watched as a ewe suckled two lambs that she had adopted in this way.

From BBC

Even so, the last thing I intend to give my digital body is yet another udder that Meta can suckle in its insatiable thirst for user data.

From Salon

He suckled readily, smiled and cooed, charmed his mother.

From New York Times