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Definition of hatchling

hatchling

/ˈhætʃ.lɪŋ/
hatch · ling
Plural:hatchlings
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hatchling Lexical Profile

hatchling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A young bird, reptile, amphibian, or fish that has recently emerged from its egg.

Example

"The sea turtle hatchling instinctively crawled across the sand toward the ocean waves."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hatchling

• Nearby Words

hatchetfish
hatchetman
hatching
hatchling
hatchway
hate
hateable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century from the verb 'hatch' (from Middle English 'hachen', meaning to produce young from an egg) combined with the diminutive suffix '-ling', which originates from Old English and denotes a young or small creature.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hatchling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hatchling
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