hatchling

[ hach-ling ]

noun

1. a young bird, reptile, or fish recently emerged from an egg.

hatchling

/ ˈhætʃlɪŋ /

noun

1. a young animal that has newly emerged from an egg

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchling¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; hatch ¹ + -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchling¹

C19: from hatch ¹+ -ling ¹

Example Sentences

Despite his antics, the giant predator is adored, having joined Mr Sullivan’s household as a hatchling the same day his daughter was born 22 years ago.

From BBC

The fluid would have had the additional benefit of nourishing the hatchling mammals once they broke out.

From Slate

Twisting and squirming, the hatchling struggles in her grasp, its jaws wide open.

From National Geographic

On the coast a few dozen miles west, conservationists watch as a hatchling of the world’s largest species of sea turtle scrapes its way to the water.

From Seattle Times

Gently, he withdrew a fist-sized hatchling.

From New York Times