wean

verb

weaned; weaning; weans

transitive verb

1
: to accustom (a young child or animal) to take food otherwise than by nursing
2
: to detach from a source of dependence
being weaned off the medication
wean the bears from human foodSports Illus.
also : to free from a usually unwholesome habit or interest
wean him off his excessive drinking
settling his soldiers on the land …  , weaning them from habits of violence Geoffrey Carnall
3
: to accustom to something from an early age
used in the passive especially with on
students weaned on the Internet for research
I was weaned on greasepaintHelen Hayes
the principles upon which he had been weanedJ. A. Michener

Examples of wean in a Sentence

The calves are weaned at an early age.
Recent Examples on the Web Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Moldova has weaned itself off its dependence on Russian gas and moved closer to Europe than at any point in its post-Soviet history. Christian Edwards, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 By honing Burden’s taste, Horowitz weaned him from Cohn. Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 After weaning her puppies, Noel moved to a long-term foster home with a foster parent dedicated to building her confidence and then moved to a new foster home with a similar setup in April 2023. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2024 One study found quit rates 12-26 weeks shorter with hypnotherapy compared to nicotine replacement therapy (using patches or gum to wean off nicotine).15 Yoga: Yoga involves stretching and breathing exercises to promote relaxation and manage stress. Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wean 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wean.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wenen, from Old English wenian to accustom, wean; akin to Old English wunian to be used to — more at wont

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wean was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wean

Cite this Entry

“Wean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wean. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

wean

verb
1
: to get a child or young animal used to food other than its mother's milk
2
: to turn (one) away from something long desired or followed
wean a person from a bad habit

Medical Definition

wean

transitive verb
1
: to accustom (as an infant or young child) to take food otherwise than by nursing
2
: to detach usually gradually from a cause of dependence or form of treatment

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