whelp

[ welp, hwelp ]

noun

1. the young of a carnivore, as a dog, bear, lion, seal, etc.
2. a youth, especially an impudent or despised one.

   Synonyms: whippersnapper, urchin, brat

3. Machinery.
   1. any of a series of longitudinal projections or ridges on the barrel of a capstan, windlass, etc.
   2. any of the teeth of a sprocket wheel.

verb (used with or without object)

1. (of a female dog, lion, etc.) to give birth to (young).

whelp

/ wɛlp /

noun

1. a young offspring of certain animals, esp of a wolf or dog
2. derogatory.
   a young man or youth
3. humorous.
   a young child
4. nautical any of the ridges, parallel to the axis, on the drum of a capstan to keep a rope, cable, or chain from slipping

verb

1. (of an animal or, disparagingly, a woman) to give birth to (young)

Other Words From

• whelp·less adjective
• un·whelped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelp¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun, from Old English hwelp (cognate with Old Norse hvelpr, Old Saxon hwelp, Old High German hwelf, welf, German Welf); verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelp¹

Old English hwelp ( a ); related to Old High German hwelf, Old Norse hvelpr, Danish hvalp

Example Sentences

The puppies were whelped by Kruse’s business partner and former employee who sells the litters from Kruse’s breeding dogs under his own license, which had not been suspended.

From Los Angeles Times

Historically in winter, the gulf’s pack ice transforms into the southernmost whelping grounds for harp seals—an ice nursery for newborn pups.

From National Geographic

Then, at long last and at such a late hour, the whelp nuts up.

From Salon

If you’re craving some cuteness overload, check out Warrior Canine Connection’s puppy whelping room cam.

From Seattle Times

“That first view of … whelp, there’s no building there.”

From Washington Times