pup

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of pupnext
1
: a young dog
also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)
2

pup

2 of 2

verb

pupped; pupping

intransitive verb

: to give birth to pups

Examples of pup in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Mehlberg picks the pups up and takes them to her private park. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 The pack, which at one point numbered three adults and six pups, killed more livestock than did the entire wolf population of other western states. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Roky, a 6-year-old terrier mix who’s the recycling and handyman pup. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 Like so many dogs, Tuzi deals with itchy skin, and Shields swears by Prospect Pet’s Skin & Coat Health Booster to give her pup some relief. Madison Yauger, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pup

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for puppy

First Known Use

Noun

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pup was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pup

noun
ˈpəp
: puppy
also : one of the young of various animals (as a seal or rat)

More from Merriam-Webster on pup

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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