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

Their fledgling relationship has provided a bright spot for droves of fans around the globe who are mourning the death of Shadow's longtime partner, Jackie, following a mysterious illness earlier this month. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Smekkleysa was born as a fledgling incubator, giving experimental musicians a space to, well, explore. — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Shortly before his death in 1981, Hirshhorn asked Lust to donate to the fledgling institution, to which Lust agreed. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

After debuting his first soymilk maker, Wang personally hawked his fledgling creation in markets and malls. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 18 Aug. 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