noun
puppy
PUP-ee/ˈpʌpi/
A dog that has not yet reached adulthood.
The fluffy puppy sits beside an adult dog's much larger paw.
Etymology
The likely connection is with a doll: a small pet dog may have been called this because it was petted like a doll. The meaning shifted from a small pet or toy dog to a young dog.
In context
early and regular socialization can make your Brindle Pitbull puppy — and ultimately your adult dog — friendlier.
More examples
- Our puppy chews on shoes while she is teething.
- The shelter has three puppies ready for adoption.
- We adopted this dog when he was a puppy.
Forms
puppy · puppies
puppyhood noun — The early stage of a dog's life.
Similar words
- pup
- Also means a young dog, but includes some other animals.