duckling

/ˈdʌklɪŋ/
noun
  1. A young duck.
    • We saw a fluffy yellow duckling following its mother.
    • The duckling hatched from its egg just this morning.
    • The mother duck led her ducklings across the pond.
  2. A term of endearment for a young or beloved person.
    • She called her youngest son 'duckling' because he was always following her.
    • Don't worry, duckling, everything will be fine.
    • Come here, my little duckling, and give me a hug.