Crossword Genius

Seal audibly was a youngster (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cygnet

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'a youngster' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'seal audibly' is the wordplay.
'seal' becomes 'signet' (signet is a kind of seal).
'audibly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'signet' is a homophone of 'CYGNET'.

'was' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cygnet that I've seen before include "Young water bird" , "Sounds like the type of ring" , "Immature swan" , "Young aquatic bird" , "Little swan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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