Suckle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /sÊŒ.kÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒkÉ™l

Origin

First attested 1408, perhaps a causative form of Middle English suken ("to suck"), or a back-formation from suckling (though this word is attested only from c. 1440).

Full definition of suckle

Noun

1. (obsolete) A teat.

Verb

1. (transitive) To give suck to; to nurse at the breast.
• William ShakespeareThe breasts of Hecuba
  When she did suckle Hector, looked not lovelier.
• LandorThey are not weak, suckled by Wisdom.
2. (intransitive) To nurse; to suck.

Derived terms

• suckling