puppy

Alternative forms

• puppie (obsolete)

Etymology

From earlier puppie, from Middle French poupée (“doll, toy”), from Old French poupee (“a doll; puppet”). More at puppet.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈpʌpi/, [ˈpʰɐpi]

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʌpi

Noun

puppy (plural puppies)

1. A young dog, especially before sexual maturity (12-18 months)
2. A young rat.
3. A young seal.
4. (slang, usually in the plural) A woman’s breast.
5. (informal) A (generic) thing; particularly something that is a nuisance; a sucker.

   I have another two dozen of these puppies to finish before I can go home.

6. (derogatory, dated) A conceited and impertinent person, especially a young man.
   • Addison

     I found my place taken by an ill-bred, awkward puppy with a money bag under each arm.

Verb

puppy (third-person singular simple present puppies, present participle puppying, simple past and past participle puppied)

1. (transitive) To bring forth whelps or give birth to pups.