pup

1 of 2

noun

1
: a young dog
also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)
2

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
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
Other breeds that also perform well as guard dogs include Doberman pinschers, very versatile pups who known how to defend their family; bullmastiffs, known for their intense protection instincts and physical strength; and giant schnauzers. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 The pup was stabbed on March 16 sometime between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in a cove on a beach in Neskowin, Oregon, a coastal community in the northwestern part of the state, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Verb
The tidepools are closed during seal pupping season from Dec. 15 through May 15. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025 Charlotte-area coyote sightings The attack came during coyote pupping season, when coyotes are more aggressive toward dogs and other animals, wildlife biologists say. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pup

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pup was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pup

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pup

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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