puppy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "puppy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a young dog, typically one that is not yet fully grown. For example, "My neighbor just brought home a new puppy and it's so adorable!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

His Drake edits pair the Torontonian Andrex puppy with mournful 160bpm workouts, and he's part of the Teklife fraternity alongside DJ Spinn et al. Check the recent Buy Now EP, in which he takes 80s boogie – SOS Band, Roy Ayers, Shalamar – and whips round the tempo dial until they're chirruping at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Music

The cage is back beneath the stairs, the puppy collar has been scrubbed and the urine-cleaner is ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although he thinks he has "cornered the market" in hard-won underwater shots of freshwater fish (which earn income every time conservation charities need an image), it was his chance picture of a Jack Russell pinning its puppy against a wall that went viral.

The Guardian

I would like to capture some of the instincts on this of Paul Keating, Malcolm Fraser and even Alexander Downer; and I value the words of Gareth Evans – that we should not approach the Americans 'happy to lie on our backs like puppy dogs with four paws waving and pink tummies exposed'".

The Guardian

Like numerous Blue Peter dogs before her, Iggy – a labrador that joined the show last year as a puppy – is training to be a guide dog.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sarah Palin fired another shot in her unlikely war of words with the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) on Monday, accusing it of hypocrisy and asserting that liberals feel no compunction about attacking even special-needs children and puppy trainers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bill Ford, the puppy-eyed environmentalist who has replaced brutish Jacques Nasser at Ford, stars in his own TV ads, in which he promotes family values.

The Economist

He was cradling a little street-puppy he had rescued from his muggers, knowing his grandmother would not let him take it home.

The Economist

Down the road, terrified puppy-eyes stare out from a metal cage beside a dog restaurant's kitchen.

The Economist

"We hoped that people in Missouri would understand the reputation they have garnered in the rest of the country as being the puppy-mill capital," she says.

The Economist

In China midwives charge more for delivering a son than a daughter.Chasing puppy-dogs' tailsThe unusual thing about son preference is that it rises sharply at second and later births (see chart 2).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puppy" when referring to a young dog, especially when emphasizing its youth and playfulness.

Common error

Avoid using "puppy" in overly formal or technical writing where a more neutral term like "young dog" or "canine" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puppy" is as a noun, referring to a young dog. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions correctly in various sentence structures, consistent with its definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "puppy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, primarily referring to a young dog. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While predominantly employed in neutral to informal contexts such as news, lifestyle, and arts, it may be less fitting for highly formal academic or scientific discourse. Common synonyms include "pup" and "young dog". Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate register. It's very common in the English language and can be seen in a wide array of publications and media. When writing about "puppies", consider the audience and adjust the formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pup

A shorter, more informal synonym for "puppy".

young dog

Focuses on the age aspect, directly replacing the term "puppy".

baby dog

A simple, straightforward alternative emphasizing the youth of the animal.

little dog

Similar to "small dog", focusing on the size.

small dog

Highlights the size, a common characteristic of puppies.

young canine

A more formal way to say "puppy", using the scientific classification.

dogling

An archaic term for a young dog, similar in meaning.

newborn dog

Specifies that the dog is newly born.

whelp

Refers to the offspring of various carnivorous mammals, including dogs.

toy breed

Refers to dog breeds that are small and often resemble puppies even when fully grown.

FAQs

How can I use "puppy" in a sentence?

You can use "puppy" to refer to a young dog, for example, "The children were delighted to play with the new puppy".

What's another word for "puppy"?

Alternatives include "pup", "young dog", or "dogling", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "puppy" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "puppy" is more suitable for informal contexts. Use more formal terms like "young dog" in academic or professional settings.

What is a "puppy mill"?

A "puppy mill" is a commercial dog breeding facility where the health and well-being of the dogs are often disregarded in order to maximize profits.