What does "codling" mean?
A young small cod.
Codling
/ˈkɒdlɪŋ/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A young small cod.
- Grammar: codling is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: apple worm, codling moth larva, codling worm, juvenile cod.
- Useful contrasts: adult cod, adult moth.
- Usage evidence: Here a couple of old men in whiskers and spectacles leant over us, making strange sounds. Some codling had got caught in the net the same time as we were. These the old men threw back into the sea; but us they seemed to think very precious. …
How to use "codling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "codling" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "codling" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "codling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "codling" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "codling" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apple worm" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "codling", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A young small cod.
"Here a couple of old men in whiskers and spectacles leant over us, making strange sounds. Some codling had got caught in the net the same time as we were. These the old men threw back into the sea; but us they seemed to think very precious. …"
- 2 A small, immature apple
"Malvolio: Not yet old enough for a man, nor yong enough for a boy: as a squash is before tis a pescod, or a Codling when tis almost an Apple: Tis with him in standing water, betweene boy and man. He is verie well-fauour'd, and he speakes verie shrewishly: One would thinke his mothers milke were scarse out of him"
- 3 young codfish wordnet
- 4 A hake (cod-related food fish), notably from the genus Urophycis.
- 5 Any of various greenish, elongated English apple varieties, used for cooking
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of codle form-of, gerund, participle, present
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
""HS2's London tunnels will help ensure many homes and habitats in the capital remain undisturbed. This is a key part of our commitment to deliver Britain's new high-speed railway in the most environmentally friendly way and minimising disruption to our neighbours," said HS2 Ltd Client Director Malcolm Codling."
Synonyms
All synonyms apple wormcodling moth larvacodling wormjuvenile codyoung cod
Antonyms
adult codadult moth
Example
"Here a couple of old men in whiskers and spectacles leant over us, making strange sounds. Some codling had got caught in the net the same time as we were. These the old men threw back into the sea; but us they seemed to think very precious. …"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "codling"?
Common synonyms include: apple worm, codling moth larva, codling worm, juvenile cod, young cod.
How do you use "codling" in a sentence?
Here a couple of old men in whiskers and spectacles leant over us, making strange sounds. Some codling had got caught in the net the same time as we were. These the old men threw back into the sea; but us they seemed to think very precious. …
How do you pronounce "codling"?
Pronounced /ˈkɒdlɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English codling, codeling, equivalent to cod + -ling.
Etymology 2
From codle + -ing.
Etymology 3
* Some dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster online, list Middle English querdlyng, -lyng as equivalent to modern -ling. * Some dictionaries, including Collins Online, state that the etymology is unknown.