1. the process by which a young bird develops feathers and becomes capable of flight

1. present participle of fledge; to grow feathers and become ready to fly (of a young bird)
2. to help a young person or organization become independent and successful
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The eaglets are fledging and will soon leave the nest.
• During fledging, young birds practice flying near their parents.
• The organization is fledging new leaders through its mentorship program.
• By late summer, the songbirds were fledging and preparing for migration.
• Parents play a crucial role in fledging their children into adulthood.
• The chicks spent weeks fledging before they could hunt on their own.