nestling

noun

nest·​ling ˈnest-liŋ 

: a young bird that has not left the nest

Examples of nestling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By 2018, the situation was critical, with people bringing dozens of nestlings to the Israeli Wildlife Hospital. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 19 July 2026

On the mantel, nestling between a brace of glamorous Francis Picabia portraits, is Kahlo's traumatic My Birth. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026

For these reasons, nestlings should generally be returned to the nest whenever possible. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

If a nestling is in distress, the department said to contact the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Center for advice at [phone]. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nestling

noun

nest·​ling ˈnest-liŋ 

: a young bird not yet able to leave the nest