puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpə-pē 

plural puppies

1

: a young domestic dog

specifically : one less than a year old

2

: baby sense 4

a computer that is one fast puppy

puppyhood

ˈpə-pē-ˌhu̇d 

noun

puppyish

ˈpə-pē-ish 

adjective

puppylike

ˈpə-pē-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of puppy in a Sentence

Our dog just had four puppies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Only the prolonged application of his best puppy-dog eyes and an earnest threat of self-harm softens up the old girl, but with caveats. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Chrissy Teigen, 40, and Kris Jenner, 70, took home puppies from the same batch, and Wagmor went on to place dogs with Jennifer Aniston and Dwayne Johnson, the Times reported in 2024. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

Deductible and reimbursement choices also narrow as enrollment age rises, which makes Healthy Paws a much better deal for puppies and kittens than for middle-aged pets. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

James Bowshier and his wife walked into their local animal shelter to look at a puppy but another dog caught their attention. — Sydney Page, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English popi, from Middle French poupée doll, toy, from *poupe

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing puppy

• foster dog/cat/puppy/kitten
• hush puppy
• mud puppy
• one sick puppy
• one tired puppy
• puppy dog
• puppy dog eyes
• puppy eyes
• puppy fat
• puppy love
• puppy mill

Rhymes for puppy

• guppy
• yuppie

Kids Definition

puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpəp-ē 

plural puppies

: a young domestic dog

especially : one less than a year old