fledgling

noun

fledg·​ling ˈflej-liŋ 

1

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

a bird feeding her fledglings

2

: an immature or inexperienced person

—often used before another noun

fledgling medical students

3

: one that is new

—often used before another noun

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

Going into the ceremony, fans were excited to see fledgling soap Beyond the Gates contending for its flowers. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026

Playing opposite Ian McKellen as Xavier’s old friend turned rival Magneto, Stewart brought a touch of Shakespearean gravitas to the fledgling franchise, returning to the role for seven more films over the next 22 years. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

My grandfather, then a senator in the fledgling Chinese Republic, named his son Jialu; British classmates at the Shanghai Public School pronounced the boy Morris. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

If Putin rejects the framework — or, more likely, demands unreasonable changes — then the world will at least know who blocked the fledgling peace effort. — David Ignatius, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 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