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

There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

This dog rope toy is perfect for teething puppies as well as aggressive chewers. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

At least two puppies and several kittens were adopted at the event, Flory said. — Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

Before receiving all of his vaccinations, much of his work focused on basic commands, routines and, of course, plenty of puppy play. — Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 21 Aug. 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