hatchling

noun

hatch·ling ˈhach-liŋ

: a recently hatched animal

Examples of hatchling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The male of the species remains alone with the eggs and fights off predators until his body gives out, at which point his flesh becomes the hatchlings’ first food. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 Also, invasive rats and cats continue to prey on vulnerable tortoise eggs and hatchlings. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Perhaps the most sickening part of the entire encounter is that both Oleynik and Kravchenko are seen holding the turtle's hatchlings, posing for photos and smiling as if everything is cool. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Some delightful animatronics show the movements of Colorado creatures like a swimming mosasaur and hatchlings in an Edmontosaurus nest. — Kristen Kidd, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hatchling

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hatchling was in 1854

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Browse Nearby Words

hatchite

hatchling

hatchman

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Style

“Hatchling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatchling. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hatchling

noun

hatch·ling ˈhach-liŋ

: a recently hatched animal

hatchling

noun

Examples of hatchling in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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