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

Her biggest problem Sunday was taking her two puppies outside to relieve themselves. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Raphie Shin and Daniel Lepore adopted a Cane Corso puppy almost two years ago, a welcome addition to the military family. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Adorable dog 'walks' horse many times his size A Golden Retriever puppy in Janesville is melting hearts after confidently attempting to walk a horse many times his size. — Kat Filardi, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Broward Sheriff's Office deputies were honored by city officials in Parkland for their role in the dramatic rescue of several puppies and their parents from a burning home in June. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 18 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