suckling

1 of 2

noun

suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ 

: a young unweaned animal

suckling

2 of 2

present participle of suckle

Examples of suckling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The main courses range from fresh fish such as monkfish or tuna to red prawns with creamy rice, and tender suckling pig with a cinnamon apple purée. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Here, the menu runs from light ricotta ravioli brightened with lemon to a suckling pig dressed with achiote, sweet potatoes, and marjoram. — Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

As the name suggests, Phillips Avent’s silicone pacifiers help soothe babies’ suckling reflex and tame fussiness almost instantly. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 July 2026

My parents were known for their epic new year party, my mom making hundreds of dumplings by hand, often supplementing that with a whole suckling pig and endless bottles of baijiu, a powerful sorghum liquor. — Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English suklyng, from suken to suck

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing suckling

• suckling pig

Rhymes for suckling

• buckling
• chuckling
• duckling
• swashbuckling

Kids Definition

suckling

noun

suck·​ling ˈsək-liŋ 

: a young mammal still sucking milk from its mother

Biographical Definition

Suckling

biographical name

Suck·​ling ˈsə-kliŋ 

Sir John 1609–1642 English Cavalier poet