Pup: meaning, definitions and examples

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pup

 

[pสŒp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cute animals

A young dog, especially one less than a year old.

Synonyms

canine, dog, puppy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pup

Informal and often used to refer to a young dog in casual conversation. It's less common in formal writing.

  • Look at that cute pup playing in the park!
  • They found a stray pup and decided to adopt it.
puppy

Refers specifically to a young dog and is commonly used in both casual conversation and formal contexts. It's a more affectionate term than 'pup'.

  • They got a new puppy for Christmas.
  • Puppy training can be challenging but rewarding.
dog

General term used in all types of conversation and writing to refer to the animal. It can describe any age or breed.

  • I walk my dog every morning.
  • The dog barked loudly at the mailman.
canine

Technical or formal contexts, often used in scientific or medical discussions about dogs or their health. It refers to dogs in general, not just young ones.

  • The veterinarian specializes in canine health.
  • There are several canine breeds that are well known for their intelligence.

Examples of usage

  • He adopted a little pup from the shelter.
  • The pup wagged its tail excitedly.
  • The golden retriever gave birth to a litter of adorable pups.
  • The pup was playful and energetic.
  • The family welcomed the new pup into their home.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'pup' comes from the French word 'poupee,' meaning 'doll' or 'puppet,' suggesting the small size and cuteness of baby dogs.
  • In the 17th century, 'pup' was commonly used to describe young animals, especially dogs.
  • The term has been used informally in English since at least the 1800s, emphasizing its playful connotation.

Cultural Significance

  • Puppies have been a staple of popular culture, featuring in countless films and children's books, often symbolizing loyalty and affection.
  • In many cultures, having a puppy is associated with companionship and is believed to bring joy to families.
  • The phrase 'puppy love' describes the affectionate feelings often experienced by young people, highlighting the emotional connections associated with pups.

Behavioral Psychology

  • Research shows that interacting with puppies can reduce stress and increase happiness, making them popular emotional support animals.
  • Young dogs are highly impressionable; early socialization is crucial for good behavior as they grow older.
  • Puppies engage in play behavior, which is essential for developing physical and social skills, as well as building bonding relationships.

Science

  • Like human infants, puppies exhibit a critical socialization period when they learn about their environment and other beings, typically from 3 to 14 weeks of age.
  • The sense of smell in puppies is highly developed even at a young age, allowing them to identify their mothers and siblings quickly.
  • Puppies are born blind and deaf; their senses develop over a few weeks, leading to exploration of their surroundings.

Popularity in Pet Ownership

  • Puppies are among the most popular pets worldwide, sought for their cuteness and playfulness.
  • In recent years, the trend of 'puppy therapy' has grown, with trained puppies visiting hospitals and schools to provide comfort and joy.
  • Adoption of puppies from shelters has surged, emphasizing the importance of giving homes to young dogs in need.

Translations

Translations of the word "pup" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น filhote

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเคฒเฅเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Welpe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ anak anjing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั†ัƒั†ะตะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szczeniak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅญ็Šฌ (ใ“ใ„ใฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chiot

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cachorro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yavru kรถpek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ•์•„์ง€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุฑูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกtฤ›nฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกteniatko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ็‹— (xiวŽo gว’u)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mladiฤek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvolpur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบาฏัˆั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ”แƒ™แƒ•แƒ˜ (lekvi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yavrusu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cachorro

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,385, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.