yearling/ˈjɜː.lɪŋ/EtymologyFrom Middle English yerling, yerlyng, equivalent to year + -ling. Cognate with Dutch jaarling (“yearling”), German Jährling (“yearling”).yearling means an animal that is between one and two years old; one that is in its second year (but not yet two full years old). Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 77 out of 100.yearling is pronounced /ˈjɜː.lɪŋ/.nounAn animal that is between one and two years old; one that is in its second year (but not yet two full years old).“a yearling lamb”A racehorse that is considered to be one year old until a subsequent January 1st.A sophomore at West Point military academy.“"But is a plebe forbidden to stroll here?" "If a plebe did have the brass to try it," replied Anstey slowly, "I reckon he would have to fight the whole yearling class in turn."”