pup

1 of 2

noun

1
: a young dog
also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)
2

pup

2 of 2

verb

pupped; pupping

intransitive verb

: to give birth to pups

Examples of pup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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
These offer group play and structured activities to help keep the pups entertained. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 From a modern and musical twist on the classic Furby to the sweet Lego Botanicals Happy Plants and a new Melissa & Doug pull-along pup, these toys for kids start at just $7. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
As much of a character as any of the humans on the series, pup Eddie — played by Jack Russell terrier Moose — lived a long life, dying in 2006 at age 16. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025 According to the American Kennel Club, human intervention in breeding and care has made male dogs less essential to pup survival, and in fact, fathers can sometimes be more of a distraction than a help. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pup

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for puppy

First Known Use

Noun

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pup was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pup

noun
ˈpəp
: puppy
also : one of the young of various animals (as a seal or rat)

More from Merriam-Webster on pup

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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