pup

1 of 2

noun

ˈpəp How to pronounce pup (audio)
Synonyms of pupnext
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
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
Also, the Grindr is all guys either dressed up for pup play or wearing ladies’ panties, which is also not my idea of a good time, but slightly better than getting your foot stuck in a wet, mossy hole. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 Enzyme cleaners are formulated to tackle certain biological (organic) messes (think everything from blood to the accident your pup had on the carpet) by breaking down the compounds that make these stains and odors difficult to remove. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
Every evening, pups are invited to join Yappy Hour, where pup cups, homemade treats and communal toys await. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 31 July 2026 The southern elephant seal pup mortality was estimated to be 76% across a population of 17,000 seal pups born on the islands, the program said. — Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing pup

Rhymes for pup

See All Rhymes for pup

Browse Nearby Words

punya
pup
pupa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pup

Nglish: Translation of pup for Spanish Speakers

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