| English Dictionary |
UGLY DUCKLING
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does ugly duckling mean?
• UGLY DUCKLING (noun)
The noun UGLY DUCKLING has 1 sense:
1. an ugly or unpromising child who grows into a beautiful or worthy person
Familiarity information: UGLY DUCKLING used as a noun is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
An ugly or unpromising child who grows into a beautiful or worthy person
Classified under:
Nouns denoting people
Hypernyms ("ugly duckling" is a kind of...):
individual; mortal; person; somebody; someone; soul (a human being)
Context examples
The ugly duckling turned out a swan, you know. and Amy smiled without bitterness, for she possessed a happy temper and hopeful spirit.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"He who laughs last laughs best." (English proverb)
"Each person at his job is a god." (Albanian proverb)
"Covering one's own ears while stealing a bell." (Chinese proverb)
"Know what you say, but don't say all that you know." (Dutch proverb)
"Each person at his job is a god." (Albanian proverb)
"Covering one's own ears while stealing a bell." (Chinese proverb)
"Know what you say, but don't say all that you know." (Dutch proverb)