fledgling

noun

fledg·​ling ˈflej-liŋ 

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

Synonyms

• 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

This honor arrives just three months after the fledgling restaurant earned a Michelin star in the California Michelin Guide. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

The Founders were part-time statesmen whose duty was to put the long-term interests of the fledgling republic ahead of personal interests. —Les Rubin, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

The fledgling Future Soldier prep course started during Joe Biden's presidency and has played a central role in reversing the recruiting slump. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

The fledgling company’s early output demonstrates its range and festival appeal. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

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