verb
suckle
SUHK-uhl
Suckle (verb) means to feed a baby or young animal with milk from a breast or udder. Example: “The ewe suckled her twin lambs in the corner of the barn.”
verb
1
To feed a baby or young animal with milk from a breast or udder.
"The ewe suckled her twin lambs in the corner of the barn."
"She suckled her newborn son within an hour of the birth."
How to use suckle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo nurse a baby or animal at the breast or udder.
Common pairings
suckle a baby
suckle young
suckle at the breast
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Word forms
- Plural
- suckles
- Third person singular
- suckles
- Past tense
- suckled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ewe _____ her twin lambs in the corner of the barn.
Etymology
From Middle English sukelen, likely formed backward from suckling — itself built from suck plus the frequentative suffix -le.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for suckle
See all rhymes for suckle →Frequently asked questions
What does “suckle” mean?
The word “suckle” means to feed a baby or young animal with milk from a breast or udder. In plain terms, to nurse a baby or animal at the breast or udder.
How do you pronounce “suckle”?
“Suckle” is pronounced SUHK-uhl (/ˈsʌk.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “suckle” in a sentence?
Here is “suckle” used in a sentence: “The ewe suckled her twin lambs in the corner of the barn.”
What part of speech is “suckle”?
“Suckle” is a verb.
Where does the word “suckle” come from?
The word “suckle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sukelen, likely formed backward from suckling — itself built from suck plus the frequentative suffix -le.
