Definition of "duckling" [duck•ling]

• A young duck. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Their networks and the cousins of syndication and cable run show after show where some ugly duckling is turned into a swan courtesy of the plastic surgeon and personal trainer."
• "The duckling is always on the menu, along with potato-crusted Lake Superior whitefish, the fish to eat in these parts."
• "Nick, that comment about your hair resembling that of a duckling was a compliment to your haircut -- it's adorable."