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

Multiple studies have shown that puppies, and dogs, in general, are important for emotional and physical well-being, including reducing stress, loneliness and lowering blood pressure, the American Kennel Club said. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

The puppy arrived at just eight weeks old in June 2004. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

The Fur Ball will feature Glambot photo ops, a puppy-kissing booth, a disco dance floor, cocktails and an after-party that keeps the night going—all in support of Humane Society Silicon Valley’s mission to save and improve animal lives. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026

The dog, a Labrador puppy, is now in foster care. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 21 Mar. 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 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