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 Tuxedo, a puppy, was just a year old and had been told by his vet and day-care teachers to start integrating himself with other dogs for his social development. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately, the department shared that two adult dogs and one puppy died from smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 Rowan then turned around to show off their new puppy, Shippy. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Blair added that many of the canines went unspayed and unneutered during that period, leading to more and more puppy births. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puppy
  1. pup
  2. whelp
  3. puppy dog
Noun
  • While your pup is adorable, vet visits, grooming, dog food, toys and other everyday costs can add up quickly.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While every venue isn’t quite so accommodating, bringing your pup along for the celebrations (or at least to your hotel for the weekend) can be a sweet way to include your entire household in this major life event.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 18 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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