plural puppy dogs
: a domestic dog and especially one that is a puppy or has the lovable attributes of a puppy
—not used technically
… stood on the stoop holding a newborn puppy dog.—Francisco Goldman
She enjoys meeting and talking to people. So does her little dog, who accompanies her to work. "About 8:30 a.m., my puppy dog starts dancing around," [Susan] Hartman said, laughing. "She's ready to go."—Berl Tiskus
… my Uncle Shmilke brought me a most unexpected gift, something that any child would adore—a beautiful little brown puppy dog.—Laizer Blitt
… the tracks belonged to a big, old puppy dog. Really old.—Linda Hiller
variants
or puppy-dog
of a human characteristic
: notably cute or endearing in a way that reminds one of a puppy
Beloved for his puppy dog eyes and chill personality …—John Benson
He looks tired, is sporting stubble and his dark hair is scruffy but the handsome, puppy dog features that have endeared him to millions over the last 20 years are still intact.—The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England)
[Adam] Sandler's puppy-dog charm proved useful in scenes where his degenerate wreck of a character might otherwise be irredeemable …—Daniel Bromfield
see also puppy dog eyes
Cite this Entry
“Puppy dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy%20dog. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
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