fledgling

noun

fledg·​ling ˈflej-liŋ 

often attributive

1

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

a bird feeding her fledglings

2

: an immature or inexperienced person

fledgling medical students

3

: one that is new

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

Fears over fledgling eaglets While the annual fireworks display and its impact on local wildlife have garnered controversy in the past, this year, advocates are particularly concerned about Jackie and Shadow’s two eaglets, Sandy and Luna, who were born in early April. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Scotland really needs an Iraq win or a tie here to help its fledgling chances. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

With his fledgling career in limbo, van Dongen simply wanted answers. — Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Advertisement Meanwhile, fledgling companies in China benefit from substantial state support, which has significantly boosted the country’s global standing in innovation over the last decade. — Alois Zwinggi, Time, 24 June 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