puppy

American  

[puhp-ee] / ˈpʌp i /

noun

plural

puppies

1. a young dog, especially one less than a year old.

2. Fox Hunting. a foxhound that has hunted regularly for less than one season.

3. pup.

4. a presuming, conceited, or empty-headed young man.

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puppy British  

/ ˈpʌpɪ /

noun

1. a young dog; pup

2. informal a brash or conceited young man; pup

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Other Word Forms

• puppydom noun
• puppyhood noun
• puppyish adjective
• puppylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of puppy

First recorded in 1480–90; earlier popi; see origin at puppet, -y ²

Explanation

A puppy is a baby dog. Unless you're more of a cat person, there's nothing cuter than puppies playing together. When a dog is born, it's a puppy. Puppies, like most mammals, start out very small and quickly grow larger — in fact, some puppies' coats change color as they mature, resulting in a fully grown dog that looks completely different. In the fifteenth century, a puppy was specifically "a woman's small pet dog," from the Middle French poupée, "doll or toy."

Example Sentences

The puppy is currently receiving medical attention and support from Animal Services, but is doing well.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

“Staff described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the puppy appeared scared and disoriented but was fortunate to have found its way to safety.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Sam is hapless and downwardly mobile, yet he’s as likable as a shy puppy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

While Woody wears goggles when he is working, he also has uniform-free downtime to be the puppy he still is.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Ashmodai glanced at him, and tsked as if Boaz were a poorly behaved puppy.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• dog
• pup
• whelp