puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpə-pē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
plural puppies
1
: a young domestic dog
specifically : one less than a year old
2
: baby sense 4
a computer that is one fast puppy
puppyhood noun
puppyish adjective
puppylike adjective

Examples of puppy in a Sentence

Our dog just had four puppies.
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.
Animal Jokes for Teens and Tweens Does your child stockpile cute photos of puppies and penguins? Fiona Tapp, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024 Brookhaven Animal Hospital experts say that puppies and more active or anxious breeds may need even shorter periods alone to prevent boredom or stress. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Gutfeld frequently shares photos of Gus on social media, and the puppy has even made several appearances on The Five and Gutfeld! Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 That’s not to say our conversation is all puppies and snickerdoodles. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for puppy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English popi, from Middle French poupée doll, toy, from *poupe

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppy was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near puppy

Cite this Entry

“Puppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

puppy

noun
pup·​py ˈpəp-ē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
plural puppies
: a young domestic dog
especially : one less than a year old

More from Merriam-Webster on puppy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!