pup

American  

[puhp] / pʌp /

noun

1. a young dog; puppy.

2. the young of certain other animals, as the rat, shark, or fur seal.

3. a small plant developing as an offshoot from a mature plant.

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verb (used without object)

pupped, pupping

1. to give birth to pups.

pup British  

/ pʌp /

noun

1. 1. a young dog, esp when under one year of age; puppy

   2. the young of various other animals, such as the seal

2. (of a bitch) pregnant

3. informal a conceited young man (esp in the phrase young pup )

4. to swindle someone by selling him something worthless

5. slang it's early yet

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verb

1. (of dogs, seals, etc) to give birth to (young)

Etymology

Origin of pup

First recorded in 1580–90; shortened variant of puppy

Example Sentences

Zookeepers in the South West have been celebrating the birth of two rare wolf pups.

From BBC

Unfortunately, unless Fido is a registered service dog, you’ll need to leave your pup at home.

From Los Angeles Times

"He's used to many a young pup tearing in and trying to let him have it," was Agnew's description of Richards defending his first ball on the back foot.

From BBC

Coast Guard searched the area but could not find the wayward pup.

From Los Angeles Times

If your pup does get lost, you can report it in the app for extra help with the search and rescue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• baby
• brood
• child
• cub
• daughter
• descendant
• generation
• heir
• kid
• progeny
• son