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What is the Meaning of “Yearling”?

Yearling
/ˈjɪəlɪŋ/
noun C1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words)

A young animal that has lived for about one year.

Definition of Yearling

Quick Meaning of Yearling

A young animal that has lived for about one year.

Detailed Definition of Yearling

An animal that is one year old, typically referring to a young horse, cattle, or other livestock.

How to Pronounce Yearling

IPA: /ˈjɪəlɪŋ/
ye ar ling

Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).

Tip: Pronounced /ˈjɪəlɪŋ/ with clear articulation

Watch out: Sometimes mispronounced incorrectly

Full pronunciation guide for “yearling” →

Origin and Etymology of Yearling

From 'year' + '-ling' (diminutive suffix from Old English). Specifically developed in horse breeding terminology.

How to Use Yearling in a Sentence

Each example shows “yearling” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “The yearling foal was already showing promise as a racehorse.”
    C1 written
  • “Farmers often sell yearling cattle at the annual livestock auction.”
    C1 formal
  • “The breeder evaluated each yearling's conformation carefully.”
    C1 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Yearling

Common Synonyms for Yearling

Smart Synonyms for Yearling — When to Use Each

juvenile
Young animal in development phase
colt
Young male horse one year old
filly
Young female horse one year old

See all synonyms for “yearling” →

Common Collocations with Yearling

These phrases pair with “yearling” in everyday English:

  • yearling horse
  • yearling cattle
  • yearling auction
  • yearling class
  • young yearling

Common Mistakes When Using Yearling

Even fluent speakers slip up with “yearling”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: The yearlings are running across the pasture very fast.
✓ Correct: The yearlings are running very fast across the pasture.
Why: Adverb should follow verb before location phrase
✗ Wrong: That yearling it has good bone structure.
✓ Correct: That yearling has good bone structure.
Why: Don't repeat subject with pronoun it
✗ Wrong: Yearling development is important for breeding successfully.
✓ Correct: Yearling development is important for successful breeding.
Why: Use adjective successful not adverb successfully

Other Forms of Yearling

Frequently Asked Questions About Yearling

What is the meaning of "Yearling"?

A young animal that has lived for about one year.

How do you pronounce "Yearling"?

The IPA is /ˈjɪəlɪŋ/. Pronounced /ˈjɪəlɪŋ/ with clear articulation

What part of speech is "Yearling"?

"Yearling" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Yearling"?

Common synonyms include juvenile, young animal, colt.

How do you use "Yearling" in a sentence?

For example: "The yearling foal was already showing promise as a racehorse."

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