cygnets
Young pond birds
Cygnets are young swans.
The word appears most often in nature writing and children's literature, where the transformation from fuzzy gray cygnet to elegant white swan serves as a ready metaphor for growing up: The cygnets followed their mother across the pond.
Large long-necked waterfowl
- penInk-filled writing tool
- cobMaize ear's central cylinder
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- nestAnimal-built shelter for young
parents · siblings · waterfowl · protective · following · family group · bonding · imprinting
Having soft, fine texture
- fluffySoft and light-textured
- grayNeutral achromatic hue
- juvenileYoung person or animal
- youngNot yet mature
hatchlings · nestlings · brood · fledglings · moulting · growth · immaturity · development
Small still body
- lakeEnclosed body of freshwater
- riverLarge flowing watercourse
- wetlandWaterlogged land ecosystem
- reedsHollow-stemmed marsh plants
waterway · marshland · stream · bank · sanctuary · reserve · parkland · Thames
Thorough change in form
- ugly ducklingInitially unpromising eventual success
- AndersenScandinavian literary surname
- fairy taleMagical children's narrative
- beautyAesthetic excellence
innocence · grace · purity · metamorphosis · royalty · elegance · regal · becoming
swans
Large long-necked waterfowl
nest · parents · siblings · waterfowl · protective · following · family group · bonding · imprinting · guarding
downy
Having soft, fine texture
young · hatchlings · nestlings · brood · fledglings · moulting · growth · immaturity · development · fuzzy
pond
Small still body
reeds · waterway · marshland · stream · bank · sanctuary · reserve · parkland · Thames · moat
transformation
Thorough change in form
- ugly ducklingInitially unpromising eventual success
- AndersenScandinavian literary surname
- fairy taleMagical children's narrative
beauty · innocence · grace · purity · metamorphosis · royalty · elegance · regal · becoming · potential