pug

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
: any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs of Asian origin with a smooth, short coat, tightly curled tail, short muzzle, and broad wrinkled face
2
a
b
: a close knot or coil of hair : bun

Illustration of pug

Illustration of pug
  • pug 1

pug

2 of 4

verb

pugged; pugging

transitive verb

: to work and mix (a substance, such as clay) when wet especially to make more homogeneous and easier to handle (as in throwing or molding wares)

pug

3 of 4

noun (2)

pug

4 of 4

noun (3)

Examples of pug in a Sentence

Noun (2) a retired pug with battered ears and swollen knuckles
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.
Noun
Whatever the analogy, being at Westminster was a triumph for Guster the rescue pug. Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 As highlighted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), pugs are affectionate and playful dogs that thrive on companionship. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Vito the pug beat over 1,900 other dogs at the show, which is hosted by the American Kennel Club. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Nov. 2024 National Vito the pug is the first of his breed to win National Dog Show's top prize The Reynolds' sighting continued the work of Dean Lomax, a paleontologist, who found pieces of the animal's jawbone eight years ago, but had not found more after that. Ayana Archie, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pug

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

obsolete pug hobgoblin, monkey

Verb

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration from pugilist

Noun (3)

Hindi & Urdu pag foot, step

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1843, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pug was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Pug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pug. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pug

noun
ˈpəg
: any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs having a short coat, tightly curled tail, and broad wrinkled face

More from Merriam-Webster on pug

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