nestling

noun

nest·​ling ˈnest-liŋ 

: a young bird that has not left the nest

Examples of nestling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the mantel, nestling between a brace of glamorous Francis Picabia portraits, is Kahlo's traumatic My Birth. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026

For these reasons, nestlings should generally be returned to the nest whenever possible. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

If a nestling is in distress, the department said to contact the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Center for advice at [phone]. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

These plants also support the caterpillar populations that form the protein-rich diet essential for raising nestlings. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nestling

noun

nest·​ling ˈnest-liŋ 

: a young bird not yet able to leave the nest