pup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pup" is correct and usable in written English, typically referring to a young dog.
You can use it when discussing dogs, particularly in informal contexts or when referring to puppies. Example: "The pup wagged its tail excitedly when it saw its owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three PUP candidates won Senate seats, though the Tasmanian Jacqui Lambie has since left the party.

The Guardian

Trintignant rose to fame as the gauche young pup who pursued Brigitte Bardot in 1956's And God Created Woman.

The Guardian - Film

PUP partnerships have often been seen as threatening by financial markets but their numbers are growing and they have been found to work well in more than 130 cities in 70 countries, including Yokohama.

The Guardian

David Ervine, leader of the loyalist Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), seems likely to benefit from the transfers of the small nationalist minority in Protestant East Belfast, whose MP is Mr Paisley's deputy, Peter Robinson.

The Economist

The fringe parties that speak for these two groups the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), voice of the Ulster Volunteer Force, and the Ulster Democratic Party UDPP), voice of the Ulster Defence Association—have taken part in the Stormont multi-party talks, and have been treated with respect, right from the beginning.

The Economist

The president will have shown that he has mastered the Washingtonian art of winning by appearing to lose; Mr Kennedy will brag to his party's paymasters about bringing the Republican pup to heel.

The Economist

There is remarkably little differentiation now: Oxbridge colleges and former polytechnics all seem to have the same blurbs, which can lead foreign students to think they have been sold a pup.

The Economist

If this job is vital, the embryo will die in utero and no mouse pup will be born.

The Economist

For instance, Mitchel McLaughlin, Sinn Fein's chairman and an assemblyman, notes that the Popular Unionist Party (PUP), the political wing of the UVF, shares his party's socialist outlook.

The Economist

One pup was allowed to eat as much as it wanted, while its partner received 25% less than the amount the first pup had consumed on the previous day.

The Economist

Almost all will be given to other Democrats, he explains, though he will keep enough money "to dissuade potential opponents".An old alley-cat might call Curt Myers an idealistic pup.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a young animal, especially a dog, "pup" adds a touch of informality and endearment.

Common error

Avoid using "pup" when referring to very formal or technical contexts related to animal biology; instead, use more precise terms like "offspring" or "young animal".

Linguistic Context

The word "pup" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a young animal, typically a dog. It can also serve as a verb, meaning to give birth to pups. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples showing its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pup" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to refer to a young dog or other similar animal. It can also informally describe a young, inexperienced person. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media and encyclopedic sources. While generally informal, "pup" adds a touch of endearment. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "puppy" or "young dog" for animals, and "novice" or "trainee" for people. When accuracy and formality are needed, avoid using "pup", in order to prevent losing informative expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puppy

This is a direct synonym for a young dog.

young dog

This is a descriptive alternative, specifying the animal's age and species.

whelp

This term refers to the young offspring of various carnivorous mammals, including dogs.

cub

While typically used for young lions, tigers, or bears, it can sometimes be used informally for other young animals.

small dog

This emphasizes the size of the dog.

junior

Used informally to describe a young or inexperienced person.

beginner

This refers to someone who is new to a particular activity or skill.

rookie

Describes someone in their first season or year in a profession or sport.

newbie

An informal term for someone who is new to something.

trainee

Someone who is being taught the skills of a particular job or profession.

FAQs

What does the word "pup" mean?

The word "pup" primarily refers to a young dog or other similar animal, like a wolf or seal. It can also informally refer to a young or inexperienced person.

How do I use "pup" in a sentence?

You can use "pup" to describe a young animal, for example, "The mother dog cares for her pups." Or, you can use it informally to refer to a young person, like, "The new employee is just a pup."

What can I say instead of "pup"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "puppy", "young dog", or "whelp" when referring to animals. For people, consider "junior", "beginner", or "rookie".

Is it appropriate to use the word "pup" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "pup" is more suitable for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider using "puppy" or "young dog" for animals and more precise terms like "novice" or "trainee" for people.