often attributive
1
: a young bird just fledged (see fledge sense 1)
a female bird feeding her fledglings
2
: an immature or inexperienced person
fledgling medical students
3
: one that is new
a fledgling company
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
The business is, and has always been, a dodgy boondoggle; not for nothing were the old-money WASPs at the East Coast banks reticent to put capital behind fledgling Hollywood.
—
Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
For a team that has a fledgling farm system, getting the most out of whatever’s left to fill out this roster is vital.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
For almost a decade, McAnally has served as Hayes’ mentor, collaborator and producer, and the fledgling comedian couldn’t help but be delighted by the full-circle moment.
—Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fledgling
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Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
For a team that has a fledgling farm system, getting the most out of whatever’s left to fill out this roster is vital.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
For almost a decade, McAnally has served as Hayes’ mentor, collaborator and producer, and the fledgling comedian couldn’t help but be delighted by the full-circle moment.
—Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fledgling
Cite this Entry
“Fledgling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fledgling. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fledgling
noun
fledg·ling
ˈflej-liŋ 
1
: a young bird just fledged
2
: an immature or inexperienced person
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