puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpə-pē 

plural puppies

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 

noun

puppyish

ˈpə-pē-ish 

adjective

puppylike

ˈpə-pē-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of puppy in a Sentence

Our dog just had four puppies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The royal family is seen lying side-by-side in a grassy meadow with their dogs, Orla, an English black cocker spaniel, and a recent addition to the family, a cocker spaniel puppy from Orla's litter. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

When visiting your vet, carry your puppy and keep it on your lap to avoid possible contact with the virus on the floor. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Public records show that most of Connecticut’s 14 puppy stores source from massive commercial breeders with awful animal welfare records. —Annie Hornish, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

In total, 76 dogs and puppies of varying breeds, 15 cats and kittens and 2 Flemish rabbits were removed from the home and taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA for medical care. —Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing puppy

• foster dog/cat/puppy/kitten
• hush puppy
• mud puppy
• one sick puppy
• one tired puppy
• puppy dog
• puppy fat
• puppy love
• puppy mill

Rhymes for puppy

• guppy
• yuppie

Kids Definition

puppy

noun

pup·​py ˈpəp-ē 

plural puppies

: a young domestic dog

especially : one less than a year old