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

As the nor’easter takes shape off the Mid-Atlantic coast on Wednesday or Thursday, air will be squeezed between the fledgling storm and that high pressure farther north, increasing wind speeds along the East Coast. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Prominent among the worry warts is King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who felt the issue was sufficiently urgent to summon senior leaders of the fledgling AI industry to a summit at a Scottish castle. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

What if all the pro runners laugh at me, a fledgling beginner? — Maryann Wright, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

There was no French fleet coming to Washington’s rescue, no French gold sustaining his army, and no alliance recognizing the fledgling nation. — Harry Ostrer, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 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