hatchling

noun

hatch·​ling ˈhach-liŋ How to pronounce hatchling (audio)
: a recently hatched animal

Examples of hatchling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Skipping the tadpole To confirm this wasn’t an isolated case, the team looked at a second, even smaller embolomere hatchling that also showed no signs of external gills. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026 In 2024, Itani said only one of their four hatchlings survived. Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 Watching hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way toward the ocean is awe-inspiring on its own, but even more meaningful with the resort's on-site naturalist team there to explain the process. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 The tracks are indicative of hatchlings drawn to lights on the shore. Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hatchling

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hatchling was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Hatchling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatchling. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

hatchling

noun
hatch·​ling ˈhach-liŋ How to pronounce hatchling (audio)
: a recently hatched animal
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