pug

¹ American  

[puhg] / pʌg /

noun

1. one of a breed of small, short-haired dogs having a tightly curled tail, a deeply wrinkled face, and a smooth coat that is black or silver and fawn with black markings.

2. pug nose.

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pug ² American  

[puhg] / pʌg /

verb (used with object)

pugged, pugging

1. to fill or stop with clay or the like.

2. to knead (clay or the like) with water to make it plastic, as for brickmaking.

3. to pack or cover with mortar or the like, as to deaden sound.

4. to mix with water so as to form a paste.

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pug ³ American  

[puhg] / pʌg /

noun

Slang.

1. a boxer; pugilist.

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pug ⁴ American  

[puhg] / pʌg /

noun

1. Also called pugmark.  a footprint, especially of a game animal.

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verb (used with object)

pugged, pugging

1. to track (especially game) by following footprints or another spoor.

pug ¹ British  

/ pʌɡ /

verb

1. to mix or knead (clay) with water to form a malleable mass or paste, often in a pug mill

2. to fill or stop with clay or a similar substance

3. (of cattle) to trample (the ground) into consolidated mud

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pug ² British  

/ pʌɡ /

noun

1. Also called: carlin.  a small compact breed of dog with a smooth coat, lightly curled tail, and a short wrinkled nose

2. any of several small geometrid moths, mostly of the genus Eupithecia, with slim forewings held outstretched at rest

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pug ³ British  

/ pʌɡ /

noun

1. a slang name for boxer

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Other Word Forms

• pugginess noun
• puggish adjective
• puggy adjective

Etymology

Origin of pug¹

First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain

Origin of pug²

First recorded in 1800–10; origin uncertain

Origin of pug³

First recorded in 1855–60; short for pugilist

Origin of pug⁴

First recorded in 1860–65; from Hindi pag “footprint”

Explanation

A pug is a solid little dog with a wrinkly face and short muzzle. Bred to be companions, most pugs are content to hang out on the sofa with their owners. The origins of the pug go back to ancient China, where a similar dog was kept as a pet by royal families. These early pugs lived in luxury, and were even guarded by soldiers. Today's pugs tend to be nearly as coddled. The small dogs must wear sweaters or jackets in cooler weather, and they lack physical stamina because of their short legs and flat noses — a perfect excuse to pick up a pug and carry it.

Example Sentences

This complete figurine of a seated pug dog in plain white-glazed porcelain with black details was found in the grave of an unnamed female at St James' Gardens in Euston.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

On the catwalk and in his own life, Valentino exuded luxury down to the last detail of his immaculate hairdo and caramel tan, often photographed with multiple pug dogs at his side.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

I’d wager a wolf would sooner recognize a sheep as one of its own than a grinning pug.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Billy Joel was grateful for her attention to his three-legged black pug; Cher, less so, after her rescue dog was diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, contagious between species.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2024

His pug, Beanie, curls up beneath where his feet ought to be.

From "Ninth Ward" by Jewell Parker Rhodes