puppy

noun

Definition of puppynext
as in pup

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of puppy But yes, getting to cuddle a puppy is obviously part of the appeal. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 The game settled down a bit after that first rotation, but Wilson played most of his debut with the well-meaning gracelessness of a puppy who has yet to grow into his paws. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 In the episode, Elmo and Tango decide to throw a puppy play date. — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 21 Oct. 2026 Just over 60 days later, that mama dog gave birth to a puppy wolf. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puppy
  1. pup
  2. whelp
  3. puppy dog
Noun
  • That extra piece of siding near the entrance helps prevent wind and rain from entering the dog house, keeping your pup dry and warm in the winter.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Salsa was rescued once as a pup during an Unprecedented Mortality Event, released in 2015, re-stranded due to a fishing entanglement and deemed non-releasable by the federal government.
    — Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pup
Noun
  • Unlikely Meathead, a whelp who spoke from a position of occasionally whiny, frequently wet-behind-the-ears insulation from life’s realities, Reiner had gray in his beard and a lengthy track record of using his podium for good.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Definition of whelp
Noun
  • You might be tempted by that pair of puppy dog eyes in the pet store window.
    — Jane Sykes, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Kenny is super likable but kind of just follows Boyd around like a puppy dog.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of puppy dog

Browse Nearby Words

pupping
puppy
puppy dog
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puppy. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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