pup

1 of 2

noun

ˈpəp 

1

: a young dog

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

2

: offset sense 2a

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

The posh pup has a home in the lobby and outside the front entrance, and sits (and stays) at the ready for belly rubs. — Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Thanks to Foxy’s strength and Alaqua’s rescue efforts, Foxy and all her pups are healthy and thriving. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Verb

Extra food for me, my partner, and pup too. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

The refuge, located in Maine, is the second-largest gray seal pupping area on the East Coast. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing pup

• buy a pup
• pup tent
• sell a pup

Rhymes for pup

• cup
• sup
• up
• yup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup

Kids Definition

pup

noun

ˈpəp

: puppy

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