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 Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed the news, but during a February 2025 episode on the Fitz and Whit podcast, Kelce’s older brother, Jason, announced that the Chiefs player adopted a puppy. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026 My family had a boisterous rescue dog, who was full-grown but often acted like a puppy. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 In 2017, still a puppy, he was rescued from abandonment and mistreatment by the Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales, which restored his health and, with it, his chances. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 For Christmas 2025, Hilaria posted a group photo in front of their tree setup at home — and revealed that the family had adopted a new puppy. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puppy
  1. pup
  2. whelp
  3. puppy dog
Noun
  • One snap shows the shaggy, multicolored pup with his tongue out as his new owner smiles and wraps their arms around him.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
  • For families weighing whether to book a mobile dog wash & grooming appointment or drop their pup at a salon, the stakes are real.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 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
  • Kenny is super likable but kind of just follows Boyd around like a puppy dog.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Cassie is trying to become social-media famous, suggestively flashing her all-American assets online in a variety of fetishy costumes (a puppy dog, a pacifier-sucking baby).
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Definition of puppy dog

Browse Nearby Words

pupping
puppy
puppy dog
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Cite this Entry

“Puppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puppy. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on puppy

Nglish: Translation of puppy for Spanish Speakers

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