as in to nurse
to give milk to from the breast the image of a mother suckling her babe is a standard artistic symbol of maternal love and nurturing

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of suckle Joan jumped on her leg in an attempt to get some and started to suckle the cheese. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 After the birth, the infant was showing strong signs of suckling, and zoo staff thought that Kianga was providing excellent care, the release states. Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 7 Sep. 2024 But the government men botched their job: rather than dying, the twins were soon discovered by a she-wolf, who suckled them back to health. Michael Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 15 Feb. 2016 The insects will have enough time to get used to their new home and then hopefully mate and burrow down to suckle at the roots of hazel trees. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 31 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for suckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suckle
Verb
  • There was tension to endure soon after half-time as Sparta Rotterdam equalized against PSV while Ajax nursed a one-goal lead at home against FC Twente to give it temporary command over the table.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Eight hours later, Bickel was still there, nursing a beer on the patio while watching federal agents down the street walk in and out of the suspect’s house.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Most adults need 55 micrograms of the mineral per day, though people who are pregnant and breastfeeding need 60 to 70 mcg.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • It is hoped that the technology could ultimately be integrated into garments such as breastfeeding bras.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suckle. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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