pup

[puhp]

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.

verb (used without object)

pupped, pupping 

1. to give birth to pups.

pup

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pup¹

First recorded in 1580–90; shortened variant of puppy

Word History and Origins

Origin of pup¹

C18: back formation from _puppy

Example Sentences

In all the confusion, an otter pup had climbed onto a small rock that stood up from the shallows.

Read more on Literature

Forvie Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire has cautioned against letting off fireworks near Newburgh Beach due to the potential impact on two seal pups in the area.

Read more on BBC

When her pups were born, adults let them eat, didn’t fight over food and often played with them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Head outside to enjoy sports leagues, golf, tennis and classes at the Columbia Association, or take your pup to play fetch at a dog park.

Read more on MarketWatch

Since being released into the wild, she has given birth to at least two pups.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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