whelp
1 synonym for whelp, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A young dog, wolf, or similar animal; a pup or cub.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A young dog, wolf, or similar animal; a pup or cub.
“The mother wolf guarded her whelps closely.”
2. verb
To give birth, said of an animal such as a dog.
“The stray whelped four puppies under the porch.”
Etymology
From Old English hwelp, a Germanic word for the young of an animal, related to Dutch welp and German Welpe.
Full origin of whelp →Frequently asked questions
What does “whelp” mean?
The word “whelp” means a young dog, wolf, or similar animal; a pup or cub. In plain terms, a young animal, especially a puppy or wolf cub — or, old-fashioned, a rude young person.
How do you pronounce “whelp”?
“Whelp” is pronounced wehlp (/wɛlp/ in IPA).
How do you use “whelp” in a sentence?
Here is “whelp” used in a sentence: “The mother wolf guarded her whelps closely.”
What part of speech is “whelp”?
Depending on how it is used, “whelp” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “whelp” come from?
The word “whelp” comes from Old English. From Old English hwelp, a Germanic word for the young of an animal, related to Dutch welp and German Welpe.
How many meanings does “whelp” have?
“Whelp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a young dog, wolf, or similar animal; a pup or cub.
