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

The stages of life are puppies, young adults, mature adults and seniors. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Eleven other dogs, two puppies and a cat were also found inside the home and transported to the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh for care, KDKA, WPXI and WTAE reported. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

College students, typically with no other dependents, are perfect to provide the puppies with a laser focus. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

That car also seemed to fit his puppy-like personality, which has also been changing over the years into the sheer determination required of a Formula 1 champion. — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 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