as in kid
a young person who is between infancy and adulthood
playtime's over, it's time to gather up the whelps and head home
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Recent Examples of whelp
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
The alpha male was a foster, and his mate whelped — or gave birth — during the same week, making the pack an ideal candidate to receive pups.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2024
Given its importance as one of two Northwest Atlantic harp seal whelping grounds, the area is one of Nat Geo’s Best Trips for 2020.
—Jennifer Hayes, National Geographic, 19 Dec. 2019
And from Susan’s line, the queen’s breeding program at the Kennels of Windsor whelped hundreds of corgi puppies.
—William Booth, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2018
From the queen's breeding program at the Kennels of Windsor, hundreds of royal corgis have been whelped.
—William Booth, chicagotribune.com, 18 Apr. 2018
Noun
Unlikely Meathead, a whelp who spoke from a position of occasionally whiny, frequently wet-behind-the-ears insulation from life’s realities, Reiner had gray in his beard and a lengthy track record of using his podium for good.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Owners can help the process by giving them a whelping box.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
The alpha male was a foster, and his mate whelped — or gave birth — during the same week, making the pack an ideal candidate to receive pups.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2024
Given its importance as one of two Northwest Atlantic harp seal whelping grounds, the area is one of Nat Geo’s Best Trips for 2020.
—Jennifer Hayes, National Geographic, 19 Dec. 2019
And from Susan’s line, the queen’s breeding program at the Kennels of Windsor whelped hundreds of corgi puppies.
—William Booth, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2018
From the queen's breeding program at the Kennels of Windsor, hundreds of royal corgis have been whelped.
—William Booth, chicagotribune.com, 18 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whelp
Noun
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Charles, who is well-known for his love of nature and the importance of sustainability, fed chickens in a coop together with the kids.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The kid from Istanbul’s streets was not an aberration.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Money raised will support the care of children and adults with profound developmental disabilities who receive residential and education care at the nonprofit center, according to a news release.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Both calves were sired by Bernard, who is now dad to 17 rhinos.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Morobe sired two daughters as part of a breeding program.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For now, the two cubs are still adjusting — one boldly, one cautiously — to the world outside their den.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2026
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That partnership resulted in 25 years of research collaboration and successful breeding, including seven cubs born to the zoo's longtime panda pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Among female sea otters, motherhood is particularly taxing, as energy requirements double during pregnancy, lactation, and pup care.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 Apr. 2026
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Big Lake Humane Society pup Shishi also will compete for Team Ruff, while Mia Muffin is on Team Fluff.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
McLaren The team fathered by 1960s Formula 1 and Can-Am driver and designer Bruce McLaren celebrates its 1,000th Grand Prix this week by taking over part of Coconut Grove.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
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Joe also fathered another daughter, Joh'Vonnie Jackson, with Cheryl Terrell.—
Emily J. Shiffer,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Lisa Newton, who manages cat and kitten rescue for Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, explained just how hidden the kittens were.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Apr. 2026
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Where the Newborn Kittens Are Now Newton, who manages cat and kitten rescue for Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, responded to the call on a Saturday.—
Ryan Brennan
April 16,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Men begetting men is the story, a kind of immaculate cultural reproduction.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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Electric vehicles began growing in popularity a few years ago thanks to sustained investment and policies that begot social and cultural buy-in.—
Andrew Zaleski,
The Atlantic,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whelp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whelp. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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