1
: a young dog
also
: one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)
2
Examples of pup in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
At La Jolla Cove, there are effectively no meaningful protections for vulnerable sea lion mothers and pups during pupping season.
—Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Among female sea otters, motherhood is particularly taxing, as energy requirements double during pregnancy, lactation, and pup care.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pup
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Wolf pups are born in the spring, and their birth limits the travel of their pack.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
At La Jolla Cove, there are effectively no meaningful protections for vulnerable sea lion mothers and pups during pupping season.
—Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026
Verb
The sea lion breeding and pupping season is fast approaching at main rookeries such as the Channel Islands, according to Giancarlo Rulli, associate director of public relations for the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Among female sea otters, motherhood is particularly taxing, as energy requirements double during pregnancy, lactation, and pup care.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pup
Cite this Entry
“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
