puppy

1 of 2

noun (1)

pup·​py ˈpə-pē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
plural puppies
Synonyms of puppynext
1
: a young domestic dog
specifically : one less than a year old
2
: baby sense 4
a computer that is one fast puppy
puppyhood
ˈpə-pē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce puppy (audio)
noun
puppyish
ˈpə-pē-ish How to pronounce puppy (audio)
adjective
puppylike
ˈpə-pē-ˌlīk How to pronounce puppy (audio)
adjective

puppyhood

2 of 2

noun (2)

pup·​py·​hood ˈpəpēˌhu̇d How to pronounce puppyhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a puppy

Examples of puppy in a Sentence

Noun (1) Our dog just had four puppies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Like a kid seeing a puppy under the tree on Christmas morning. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 My family had a boisterous rescue dog, who was full-grown but often acted like a puppy. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 All of the dogs, Foxy included, will be available for adoption in a few weeks, when the puppies are weaned and fully vetted. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Stray pets taken in by the nonprofit since July 4 of this year include 54 dogs, 11 cats, eight puppies, 23 kittens and one reptile. — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppy

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English popi, from Middle French poupée doll, toy, from *poupe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppy was in 1567

Phrases Containing puppy

Rhymes for puppy

See All Rhymes for puppy

Browse Nearby Words

Puppis
puppy
puppy dog
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

puppy

noun
pup·​py ˈpəp-ē How to pronounce puppy (audio)
plural puppies
: a young domestic dog
especially : one less than a year old

More from Merriam-Webster on puppy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for puppy

Nglish: Translation of puppy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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