puppy

[puhp-ee]

noun

plural

puppies 

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• puppyhood noun
• puppyish adjective
• puppydom noun
• puppylike 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

In 2014 it was reported that a labrador in Scotland had given birth to 15 puppies, which its owner claimed was one of the biggest on record for the breed.

From BBC

The former South Dakota governor revealed in her memoir that she once shot and killed her 14-month-old puppy, believing it to be a danger to her family.

From Salon

I see architecture as a living thing, and this was like seeing a puppy that was not being taken care of.

From Los Angeles Times

The audience, innocent of the switch, were asked to come up with a name for the puppy.

From BBC

Sian Keen agreed to take a pregnant rescue dog from Ukraine and within days of arriving Narla gave birth to 11 puppies.

From BBC

Related Words

• dog 
• pup 
• whelp