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
Stop here for suggestions on the best nearby dog-friendly parks for your pup, to pick up breakfast vouchers, and to grab a list of participating local businesses that offer discounts to Hotel Lucia guests. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Jack goes back inside, successfully retrieves the pup, and emerges from the blazing home. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Verb
The women at Carswell are responsible for socializing and training the Canine Companion pup they are matched with, like Aikman. Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 4 June 2026 The refuge, located in Maine, is the second-largest gray seal pupping area on the East Coast. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026 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 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

pup

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

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