Puppy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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puppy
pup-py
Definition
cute animals
A young dog, especially one less than a year old. Puppies are known for their playful and energetic nature. They require training and socialization to become well-behaved adult dogs.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| puppy |
Commonly used to refer to a young dog, often in a general or formal context.
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| pup |
An abbreviated form of 'puppy', often used informally. It can sometimes sound endearing or playful.
|
| doggy |
A playful and affectionate way to refer to a dog, suitable when talking to children or in informal situations.
|
| pooch |
An informal and casual term for a dog, often used in everyday conversation among adults.
|
Examples of usage
- I adopted a puppy from the shelter.
- The puppy was chasing its tail in the yard.
- Puppies love to chew on toys and shoes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “puppy”
Puppy is a 2-syllable noun (pup-py). It is pronounced /ˈpəpi/ in American English and /pˈʌpi/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #13,878 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“puppy” in cultural significance
- Puppies often symbolize joy and companionship in many cultures around the world, making them popular as pets.
- In different cultures, puppies are featured in folklore, symbolizing loyalty and protection.
“puppy” in development
- Puppies develop rapidly, maturing from newborns to playful, active adolescents in a span of a year.
- At about three weeks old, puppies begin to open their eyes and start to explore their environment.
“puppy” in science
- Studies show that interacting with puppies can reduce stress and anxiety in humans, promoting emotional well-being.
- Puppies have unique developmental stages, including critical periods for socialization that occur between 3 to 14 weeks of age.
“puppy” in pop culture
- Puppies frequently appear in movies and books, often portrayed as adventure-loving characters or loyal friends.
- Famous puppy characters, like those in 'Lady and the Tramp', appeal to both children and adults, emphasizing themes of love and friendship.
Origin of 'puppy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'puppy' comes from the French word 'poulain', meaning 'young one', originally referring to a young animal.
- In the late 16th century, it started to describe young dogs specifically, as pet ownership became more popular.
The word 'puppy' has its origins in the Middle French word 'poupee', which means doll or toy. It was later adopted into English in the 15th century to refer to a young dog. Throughout history, puppies have been seen as symbols of innocence, loyalty, and companionship, making them beloved pets for many people.