pup

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of pupnext
1
: a young dog
also : one of the young of various animals (such as a seal or rat)
2

pup

2 of 2

verb

pupped; pupping

intransitive verb

: to give birth to pups

Examples of pup in a Sentence

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
During the breeding season, females stay close enough to their rookery to return regularly to feed their young, although their trips to forage tend to grow longer as the pup develops. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 Since then, 10 pups have gone through the program at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
The sea lion breeding and pupping season is fast approaching at main rookeries such as the Channel Islands, according to Giancarlo Rulli, associate director of public relations for the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 Among female sea otters, motherhood is particularly taxing, as energy requirements double during pregnancy, lactation, and pup care. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pup

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for puppy

First Known Use

Noun

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pup was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pup. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pup

noun
ˈpəp
: puppy
also : one of the young of various animals (as a seal or rat)

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