pup

1 of 2

noun

ˈpəp 

1

: a young dog

also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)

2

: offset sense 2a

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

Noun

The Cincinnati pup was named the winner of the 2024 competition on Wednesday, beating out more than 7,000 other dogs from across the globe. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2024

Local news agencies haven't been able to determine whether the dog has an owner or how the pup made its way to the top of the ancient tomb—which is nearly 450 feet tall at its peak. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024

Verb

Sightings stretch back to the early 2000s, but the creatures started pupping — having babies — around Point La Jolla roughly a decade ago. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Coyotes become especially active during mating and pupping season, and in Southern California, have claimed the backyards and surrounding hills around the residential neighborhood of Mar Vista as a part of their territory. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing pup

• buy a pup
• pup tent
• sell a pup

Kids Definition

pup

noun

ˈpəp

: puppy

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