fledgling

noun

fledg·​ling ˈflej-liŋ 

often attributive

1

: a young bird just fledged (see fledge sense 1)

a bird feeding her fledglings

2

: an immature or inexperienced person

fledgling medical students

3

: one that is new

a fledgling company

Synonyms of fledgling

• novice
• newcomer
• beginner
• apprentice
• freshman
• rookie

Examples of fledgling in a Sentence

a female bird feeding her fledglings

at hockey he's still a fledgling and needs to work on his basic skating skills

Recent Examples on the Web

An Evolved Domestic Animation Market Arguably, the declining Chinese domestic interest could be traced back to as early as 2006, when the government enforced regulations to protect China’s fledgling animation studios. —Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Now, in a more intimate setting, the sullen and sometimes-sarcastic shadings of this longtime singer-songwriter should hark back to Folds’ fledgling days on the alt-music scene. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

Summer will be another critical point in Iroegbunam’s fledgling career. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 13 May 2026

With Makary’s departure, the fate of many fledgling initiatives is uncertain. —Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fledgling

noun

fledg·​ling ˈflej-liŋ 

1

: a young bird just fledged

2

: an immature or inexperienced person