pup

1 of 2

noun

ˈpəp 

1

: a young dog

also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)

2

: offset sense 2a

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

Noun

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder has been a reliable appliance to transform her weekly cleaning, as the self-standing stick vacuum has a tangle-free illuminated head, three suction levels, and multiple attachments that can handle anything her pup throws its way. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025

They’re often greeted with the sight of their mischievous pup climbing onto furniture or causing destruction while unattended. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025

Verb

As much of a character as any of the humans on the series, pup Eddie — played by Jack Russell terrier Moose — lived a long life, dying in 2006 at age 16. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025

According to the American Kennel Club, human intervention in breeding and care has made male dogs less essential to pup survival, and in fact, fathers can sometimes be more of a distraction than a help. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing pup

• buy a pup
• pup tent
• sell a pup

Rhymes for pup

• cup
• sup
• up
• yup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup

Kids Definition

pup

noun

ˈpəp

: puppy

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