What is piglet? Pronunciation and usage in English

piglet means . Learn how to pronounce and use piglet through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of piglet

pigletnoun

/ˈpɪɡlɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of piglet

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "piglet" in English. Here's a breakdown:

  • Pig: This part is pretty straightforward. It sounds like "peeg" - like the animal. Think of it as "peek" but with a slightly more guttural 'g' sound.

  • let: This is pronounced like the word "let," as in "let me go."

  • Putting it together: You blend the two together, so it sounds like "peek-let". It's a quick, clipped pronunciation.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • pi - like "pee"
  • g - like the "g" in "get" (a bit more guttural than a regular "g")
  • let - like "let"

Resources to help you hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word piglet in English

Let's break down how to use the word "piglet." It’s a charming word with a few different uses!

1. Literal Meaning: A Baby Pig

  • Most Common Usage: This is the primary meaning. A "piglet" is simply a young pig. Think of it like "puppy" for a dog or "kitten" for a cat.
    • Example: "The farmer was carefully feeding a tiny piglet with a bottle."
    • Example: "We saw a whole litter of adorable piglets playing in the mud."

2. Figurative Meaning: A Sensitive or Shallow Person

  • Origin: This usage comes from the proverb, “Like a pig in mud.” The idea is that pigs enjoy wallowing in mud for comfort and pleasure. A "piglet" in this context describes someone who is described as being extremely focused on superficial comforts or pleasures, entirely self-satisfied, and perhaps lacking in depth or concern for others. It’s a slightly derogatory term.
    • Example: "Don't be such a piglet and worry about your new shoes all the time! There are bigger problems in the world."
    • Example: "He’s a bit of a piglet, constantly craving the latest gadgets."
    • Important Note: This usage is considered somewhat childish and could be seen as insulting, so use it carefully with people you know well and are comfortable with.

3. Affectionate Term (Rare)

  • Very Informal & Cute: Occasionally, “piglet” is used as a genuinely endearing term for a small, adorable person, especially a baby or very young child. This is a much gentler usage.
    • Example: “Look at that little piglet! He’s so cute when he’s giggling.” (This is generally used for a child, not an adult calling an adult a piglet!)

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Meaning Tone Example
Literal Young pig Neutral “The piglet squealed when it saw the goose.”
Figurative Sensitive/Shallow Person Negative "Stop acting like a piglet and be considerate!"
Affectionate Small, Adorable Child Gentle "That little piglet is so curious."

Tips for using "piglet":

  • Context is key: The meaning of “piglet” is entirely dependent on the context of the sentence.
  • Be mindful of tone: The figurative usage can be quite harsh, so choose your words carefully.
  • Consider your audience: Use the affectionate term sparingly and only with people you know well.

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Synonyms for the word piglet

Practice with vocabulary piglet

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The farmer carefully moved the newborn ________ from its mother to a warmer area.
  2. During the research study, scientists observed the rapid growth of the ________ in the first few weeks of its life.
  3. The agricultural exhibition featured various breeds of livestock, including an impressive ________ weighing over 300 kilograms.
  4. Veterinarians often advise ensuring good hygiene in the ________ to prevent the spread of diseases among the animals.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms specifically refers to a young pig? a) Calf b) Lamb c) Piglet d) Kitten

  2. Which of the following statements accurately describe a piglet? (Select all that apply) a) It is a newborn pig. b) It is typically larger than an adult pig. c) It is a small, domesticated mammal. d) It is the offspring of a sow.

  3. The veterinary student was assigned to monitor the health of the ________ showing signs of dehydration after weaning. a) piglet b) chick c) foal d) duckling

  4. Which of these animals are primarily associated with the production of bacon and ham? a) Sheep b) Cattle c) Swine d) Poultry

  5. A group of young birds is commonly referred to as a ________. a) litter b) flock c) herd d) covey

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The very young pigs were playing energetically in the muddy enclosure.

    • Rewrite the sentence, starting with "The..."

  2. The farmer observed the mother pig giving birth to several small offspring in the barn.

    • Rewrite the sentence, incorporating specific terms for the mother pig and the act of giving birth, and using the target vocabulary.

  3. The meat from the animal was cured for several weeks to make high-quality bacon.

    • Rewrite the sentence, replacing "The meat from the animal" with a more specific term.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. piglet
  2. piglet
  3. boar
  4. sty

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Piglet
  2. a) It is a newborn pig, c) It is a small, domesticated mammal, d) It is the offspring of a sow
  3. a) piglet
  4. c) Swine
  5. b) flock

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The piglets were playing energetically in the muddy enclosure.
  2. The farmer observed the sow farrowing several piglets in the barn.
  3. The pork was cured for several weeks to make high-quality bacon.

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