-lings
suffix
UK/lɪŋz/US/lɪŋz/
Used as the plural form of nouns ending in '-ling,' which denote something small, young, or of lesser status (from Old English ‘-ling’). In words like ‘ducklings’ (young ducks) or ‘underlings’ (subordinates), the '-s' simply marks the plural. Although '-lings' itself is not an independent suffix, it highlights a collective or multiple instances of a diminutive or subordinate form.
Example Sentences
The ducklings followed their mother in a neat line across the pond, each one wobbling adorably.
He treated his new hires as mere underlings, creating resentment in the workplace and high turnover rates.
The farmer set up a separate enclosure for the yearlings and their mothers to ensure close monitoring of their growth.
Children’s storybooks often depict forest creatures as adorable little foundlings or hatchlings seeking adventure.
When the seeds sprouted, the tiny seedlings looked delicate, but they were surprisingly resilient to early spring chills.
The old folktale spoke of mischievous changelings left behind by the faeries, believed to replace human infants in the cradle.
As Earthlings, we share one planet, underscoring the interconnectedness of all human communities around the globe.
Writers sometimes playfully coin new '-lings' words to emphasize smallness or tender affection, such as ‘tinylings’ for diminutive fantasy folk in a children’s adventure series.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Adds a plural marker to '-ling' words denoting multiple young, small, or lesser entities.In English, '-lings' isn’t a distinct suffix on its own; rather, it’s the standard plural of words that end in '-ling,' like 'ducklings' (young ducks), 'goslings' (young geese), 'weaklings' (those who are weak), or 'underlings' (those in lower positions). Each of these terms conveys smallness, youth, or subordinate status in its singular form; appending '-s' simply makes them plural. For instance, 'duckling' denotes one baby duck, while 'ducklings' refers to more than one. You won’t typically create entirely new words using '-lings' out of nowhere—it follows the usual pattern for pluralizing nouns in English. If you encounter '-lings' in writing, assume it’s the plural of a noun ending in '-ling,' thus signifying a group or multiple instances of that smaller or lesser entity.
Alternatives
If you need to express a plural concept without the diminutive or subordinate connotations, opt for simpler phrasing: 'young ducks' instead of 'ducklings,' 'weaker individuals' instead of 'weaklings.' Such rephrasings can be clearer in modern contexts, especially when you don’t need or want the quaint, old-fashioned, or hierarchical tone that '-lings' often carries. However, when accuracy or tradition is key—such as in a nature guide or a fantasy story—retaining '-lings' aligns with standard and recognizable usage. For purely descriptive contexts, phrases like 'group of small ducks' or 'multiple young geese' can substitute for 'ducklings' or 'goslings.'
Writing
When writing, use '-lings' to pluralize any '-ling' term properly and maintain its diminutive or subordinate nuances in the plural. For example, describing 'the ducklings paddling along the pond' paints a vivid picture of multiple young ducks, emphasizing their small and endearing nature. If you’re aiming for a more direct or less whimsical style, consider rephrasing to avoid '-ling' forms. Still, many established words (e.g., 'darling' → 'darlings,' 'earthling' → 'earthlings') exist in both singular and plural. Context is king: in children’s literature or lighthearted narratives, '-lings' adds a charming quality, whereas in formal or expository texts, consistent usage of standard English plurals keeps language clear and concise.
Casual Conversation
In casual speech or everyday writing, '-lings' usually appears when referring to young animals or people in a playful, affectionate, or slightly archaic way, as in 'Look at all those ducklings!' or 'The weaklings gave up early.' It’s widely understood, though some terms (like 'underlings') can carry a negative or patronizing tone. If you want a friendlier vibe, you might say 'the younger ones' or simply 'the ducks,' depending on how strongly you wish to highlight their youth or lesser status. Most people will grasp these words instantly, especially since many are commonplace ('ducklings,' 'goslings'), so it’s a straightforward, natural-sounding way to indicate the plural of a diminutive form.
Etymology
Because '-ling' is the core diminutive suffix (with Old English and Germanic roots), adding '-s' to make '-lings' follows the standard plural formation in English. Over centuries, '-ling' terms like 'duckling' or 'darling' gained wide acceptance, then naturally took '-s' for the plural. The concept of '-ling' to denote smallness or youth predates modern English, and the plural '-lings' represents the language’s typical morphological practice for countable nouns. While '-lings' itself is not a separate, productive suffix, it remains an enduring part of English vocabulary, especially in animal names and affectionate or subordinate descriptors.