Pronunciation: [hˈɔːslɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "horseling" is spelled with the letters h-o-r-s-e-l-i-n-g. Its pronunciation is /ˈhɔːs.lɪŋ/. The "h" at the beginning of the word is silent. The "o" is pronounced as in "four". The "s" is pronounced as in "sun". The "e" is pronounced as in "set". The "l" is pronounced as in "love". The "i" is pronounced as in "pin". The "ng" is pronounced as in "sing". "Horseling" is a rare word that means a young or small horse.
Horseling is a noun that refers to a young, inexperienced or untrained horse. It can also denote a young, immature or inexperienced individual in a broader sense. The term is derived from the word "horse," which refers to a large, four-legged mammal commonly used for riding, racing, or other tasks, and the suffix "-ling," which indicates being smaller or younger.
In the context of horses, a horseling is usually a foal or a yearling, typically under the age of one or two years, which has not yet received extensive training or developed the form, strength, or skill of a mature horse. These young horses are often referred to as horselings until they undergo further training and become more adept and skilled in their intended duties, whether it be as a racehorse, a showjumping competitor, or a working horse.
However, beyond the equine domain, horseling can also be used metaphorically to describe a young person who lacks experience, expertise, or maturity. It implies a person who is still learning or developing skills and knowledge in a specific field or aspect of life. This figurative usage emphasizes the idea of being "green" or novice-like, similar to the way a young, untrained horse is viewed.
Overall, the term horseling encompasses both the literal definition of a young or untrained horse and the metaphorical meaning of a young, inexperienced individual in various contexts.
The word "horseling" is derived from the Middle English word "horselynge", which was a combination of "horse" (from Old English "hors") and the suffix "-ling" (also of Old English origin).
The suffix "-ling" was used in Old English to form various dimunitive or endearing words. In the case of "horseling", it was used to refer to a young or small horse or foal. Over time, the word evolved and by the 16th century, "horseling" came to be used to describe a person who acted or behaved like a young or inexperienced horse.
