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Definition of yearling

yearling

/ˈjɪə.lɪŋ/
year · ling
Plural:yearlings
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yearling Lexical Profile

yearling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An animal, especially a calf, foal, or lamb, that is one year old or in its second year of life.

Example

"The rancher separated the healthy yearlings from the older cattle before moving the herd to the summer pasture."

2

A thoroughbred racehorse considered to be one year old, officially calculated from January 1st of the year following its birth in the Northern Hemisphere.

Example

"Buyers from around the world gathered at the autumn auction to bid on promising thoroughbred yearlings."

• adjective

1

Having reached one year of age, or in the second year of life (especially of livestock or horses).

Example

"The wildlife biologist tracked two yearling bears as they ventured out on their own for the first time."

• Rhymes for yearling

• Nearby Words

yeah
year
yearbook
yearling
yearlong
yearly
yearn

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as 'yereling', combining the noun 'year' (from Old English 'gear') with the diminutive and associative suffix '-ling'.

Cite this Entry

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