suckling

1 of 2

noun

suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ 

: a young unweaned animal

suckling

2 of 2

present participle of suckle

Examples of suckling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Count on a lunchtime carving station, with a chef slicing everything from a giant roast beef haunch to whole suckling pig. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

It’s known for traditional cuisine, especially its roasted suckling pig. — Nuno Gonçalo Correia, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026

As the name suggests, Phillips Avent’s silicone pacifiers help soothe babies’ suckling reflex and tame fussiness almost instantly. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 July 2026

My parents were known for their epic new year party, my mom making hundreds of dumplings by hand, often supplementing that with a whole suckling pig and endless bottles of baijiu, a powerful sorghum liquor. — Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English suklyng, from suken to suck

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing suckling

• suckling pig

Rhymes for suckling

• buckling
• chuckling
• duckling
• swashbuckling

Kids Definition

suckling

noun

suck·​ling ˈsək-liŋ 

: a young mammal still sucking milk from its mother

Biographical Definition

Suckling

biographical name

Suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ 

Sir John 1609–1642 English Cavalier poet