What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pup
Example
The mother dog was nursing her pups in the corner of the room. [pups: plural noun]
Example
The wolf pup howled at the moon for the first time. [pup: singular noun]
puppy
Example
The puppy wagged its tail and licked my hand. [puppy: singular noun]
Example
The puppies were chasing each other around the yard, having fun. [puppies: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puppy is more commonly used than pup in everyday language, especially when referring to young dogs. Pup is less common and more informal, and is often used in specific contexts such as military or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pup and puppy?
Puppy is more widely accepted and used in everyday language, making it more formal than pup. However, both words can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual to formal.
