puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpə-pē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
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 noun
puppyish adjective
puppylike adjective

Examples of puppy in a Sentence

Our dog just had four puppies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tommy is currently being treated with anti-seizure medication, pain relief, and other standard puppy care, including deworming. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 The show follows Bluey, a loveable and inexhaustible blue heeler (aka Australian Cattle Dog) puppy, and her life with her dad, mom and little sister Bingo. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025 Of course, Keao says yes, just not a puppy. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Puppy, pet mill laws The governor also signed three bills aimed at halting the puppy and pet mill industries. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puppy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppy was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

puppy

noun
pup·​py ˈpəp-ē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
plural puppies
: a young domestic dog
especially : one less than a year old

More from Merriam-Webster on puppy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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