fledgling
/ˈflɛd͡ʒ.lɪŋ/ · fledg·ling
noun
- A young bird which has just developed its flight feathers (notably wings). The fledgling bird took its first flight from the nest.
- An insect that has just fledged, i.e. undergone its final moult to become an adult or imago. The fledgling butterfly emerged from its cocoon and began to fly.
- An immature, naïve or inexperienced person. The fledgling entrepreneur struggled to navigate the complexities of the business world.
adjective
- Untried or inexperienced. The fledgling musician was nervous about performing in front of a large audience.
- Emergent or rising. The fledgling company was on the verge of a major breakthrough.
Did you know? The word 'fledgling' is often used to describe a person or thing that is in the early stages of development, much like a young bird learning to fly.