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Whelped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whelped

[wɛlpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal birth

Whelped refers to the act of giving birth to puppies or cubs, particularly in canines and some other animals. It is derived from the word 'whelp,' which specifically pertains to young offspring of certain mammals. The term is often used in the context of breeding and animal husbandry.

Synonyms

gave birth, produced, welped.

Examples of usage

  • The dog whelped five healthy puppies last night.
  • She has a history of whelping large litters.
  • The breeder was excited when her dog whelped two litters this year.

Translations

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Origin of 'whelped'

The word 'whelped' comes from the Old English term 'whelp,' which means 'puppy' or 'young animal.' Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *wulfs, referring to young wolves. Originally, it was used to describe the young of various mammals, but over time, it became more specifically associated with dogs. The term developed as animal breeding practices became more common, particularly in the context of dogs, where understanding the birth process and terminology became vital for breeders. Whelping has significant importance in dog breeding, often utilized in kennels and among dog enthusiasts to ensure proper care and recognition of the birthing process.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,223, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.