cygnet

[ sig-nit ]

noun

1. a young swan.

cygnet

/ ˈsɪɡnɪt /

noun

1. a young swan

Word History and Origins

Origin of cygnet¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English signet, from Latin cygnus, variant of cycnus, from Greek kýknos “swan”; -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of cygnet¹

C15 sygnett, from Old French cygne swan, from Latin cygnus, from Greek kuknos

Example Sentences

Last year's count only found 94 cygnets, a major decline in the swan population.

From BBC

Analysis of the GPS data shows that cygnets fly further to the southwest during autumn migration on colder days.

From Science Daily

The British monarch’s annual “swan upping” — a census of the fowl along a stretch of the River Thames — found a worrisome drop in cygnets from last year.

From New York Times

A historic royal census, known as "swan upping", has revealed a 40% drop in the number of cygnets on the River Thames, compared with last year.

From BBC

In his scarlet jacket, Mr Barber is in charge of a flotilla of small boats that glide up the River Thames, stopping to count, weigh, measure and check the well-being of young swans, called cygnets.

From BBC

More About Cygnet

What does cygnet mean?

A cygnet is a young swan.

The word cygnet is a general term for a young swan that’s used in the same way that the word duckling is used to refer to a young duck or the word gosling is used to refer to a young goose.

There are several different kinds of swans, including the mute swan, trumpeter swan, tundra swan, and whooper swan. The young of any swan species can be called cygnets.

Example: The ugly duckling in the fairy tale was actually a cygnet—ducklings don’t turn into swans, you know.

Where does cygnet come from?

The first records of the word cygnet come from the 1400s. It comes from the Latin cygnus, from the Greek kýknos, meaning “swan.” This Latin root serves as the genus name for swans, as well as the name of the swan-shaped constellation Cygnus. The ending -et is used in nouns to indicate smallness. It’s used in the names of other young birds, as well, such as in eaglet (a young eagle) and owlet (a young owl). Baby swans can be called swanlings, but that term is very rare compared to cygnet.

People who don’t know their birds might see a cygnet and casually call it a duckling. But swans are not ducks—they’re much bigger than most ducks, and cygnets are often a bit larger than ducklings. Cygnets reach adulthood after about one year.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for cygnet?

• young swan

What are some words that share a root or word element with cygnet? 

 

• Cygnus

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing cygnet?

 

• swan
• duckling
• gosling
• baby
• bird
• mute swan
• trumpeter swan
• tundra swan
• whistling swan
• whooper swan
• pond
• water bird

What are some words cygnet may be commonly confused with?

 

• signet

 

How is cygnet used in real life?

Cygnet as a technical name for a young swan isn’t as well known as words like duckling or gosling, so it’s most often used by people who know a little about birds.

Swan with cygnet on the lake. pic.twitter.com/crJM79mf2Y

— Hoveton Hall Estate (@HovetonHall) May 16, 2020

Mummy and Daddy Swan have babies! Hatched yesterday, on the river visiting and showing off the bevy when I got in today. 6 glorious little fluff pots of cygnet gorgeousness… pic.twitter.com/3wAosbBrqs

— Plaingoldband (@plaingoldband) May 16, 2020

Look mummy, my wings are huge! 😁

I took this Cygnet photo 14 years ago, & it's still one of the most popular shots I've ever taken! 😊
It was even sold as a Mother's Day card in John Lewis stores nationwide.
#TwitterNatureCommunity 🐦 pic.twitter.com/ahsAyp6KaU

— Carl Bovis (@CarlBovisNature) May 12, 2020

 

 

Try using cygnet!

True or False? 

A cygnet is the same thing as a duckling.