puppy

[ puhp-ee ]

noun

, plural pup·pies.

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 ( def 2 ).
4. a presuming, conceited, or empty-headed young man.

puppy

/ ˈpʌpɪ /

noun

1. a young dog; pup
2. informal.
   a brash or conceited young man; pup

Derived Forms

• ˈpuppyˌhood, noun
• ˈpuppyish, adjective

Other Words From

• puppy·hood puppy·dom noun
• puppy·ish adjective
• puppy·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppy¹

C15 popi, from Old French popée doll; compare puppet

Example Sentences

Earlier this year at the city’s West L.A. shelter, two puppies were housed in the room where animals are put to death.

From Los Angeles Times

She told the court the pet had been adopted as a puppy in 2022.

From BBC

Neighbours said Mr Langley, who was originally from Liverpool, was walking his Patterdale puppy, called Bow, when he was attacked.

From BBC

Red Lobster is also bringing back its hush puppies, which hasn’t been on the restaurant’s menu for several years.

From Salon

Noem has had a tumultuous year, facing immense amount of backlash for revealing in her memoir that she killed her 14-month-old puppy, later claiming it was a danger to her children.

From Salon

Related Words

• dog
• pup
• whelp