cygnet

noun

cyg·​net ˈsig-nət How to pronounce cygnet (audio)
: a young swan

Examples of cygnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The theater is named after a young swan, called a cygnet. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Following the passing of his previous mate, Zeus fathered five cygnets in 2019. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 In the film, the dress represents Hepburn’s character’s transformation from an unrefined, ponytailed cygnet into a swan, freshly molded by a stint in Paris. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 All the young cygnets and adult birds have to be released together as the cygnets will get lost otherwise. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 19 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for cygnet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sygnett, from Anglo-French cignet, from cigne swan, from Latin cycnus, cygnus, from Greek kyknos

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cygnet was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cygnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cygnet. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cygnet

noun
cyg·​net ˈsig-nət How to pronounce cygnet (audio)
: a young swan

More from Merriam-Webster on cygnet

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