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, pup·ping.

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. in pup
   (of a bitch) pregnant
3. informal.
   a conceited young man (esp in the phrase young pup )
4. sell someone a pup
   to swindle someone by selling him something worthless
5. the night's a pup 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

That’s why watching swearing Aussies fall in love while they care for a scruffy pup with wheel-aided hind legs is the soothing balm our brains need right now.

From Los Angeles Times

She brought her dog Dibs too, only to discover after getting here that the 9-year-old pup has cancer.

From Los Angeles Times

But he was super sweet to my pup.

From Los Angeles Times

Try these dozen routes to make you — and your pup — happy hikers.

From Los Angeles Times

Nearby, Rhythm jauntily greets some of the show’s producers, who pause their work to pet the charming pup.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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