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
Noun
Some ten minutes into our hike, the pup flushes a trio of grouse about 30 yards ahead. Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 The pup is captured running up to his new pet parents, wagging his tail and playfully jumping on them to give them kisses. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2024
Verb
Coyotes become especially active during mating and pupping season, and in Southern California, have claimed the backyards and surrounding hills around the residential neighborhood of Mar Vista as a part of their territory. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024 The pupping season stretches for a few months, from the spring when coyotes are born, through the summer, when juveniles leave their parents. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pup 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pup.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near pup

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

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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