pug

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpəg How to pronounce pug (audio)
Synonyms of pugnext
1
: any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs of Asian origin with a smooth, short coat, tightly curled tail, short muzzle, and broad wrinkled face
2
a
: pug nose
b
: a close knot or coil of hair : bun

Illustration of pug

Illustration of pug
  • pug 1

pug

2 of 4

verb

pugged; pugging

transitive verb

: to work and mix (a substance, such as clay) when wet especially to make more homogeneous and easier to handle (as in throwing or molding wares)

pug

3 of 4

noun (2)

: boxer entry 1 sense 1

pug

4 of 4

noun (3)

: pugmark

Synonyms

Noun (2)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of pug in a Sentence

Noun (2) a retired pug with battered ears and swollen knuckles
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Only after the pug has had her food. Car: Have never owned one. — airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025 The seven rescued pug puppies are now available for adoption at the Helen Woodward Animal Center on a first-come-first-served basis. — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025 Five-month-old pug Mr. Pickles (from the Texas rescue shelter Dallas Dog) stole her heart, on and off the field. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025 According to a Vet Explains Pets article by Dr. Jess Kirk, the breeds that are more suited for living with small animals like rabbits include golden retrievers, cavalier king Charles spaniels, pugs, beagles, and poodles, among others. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pug

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

obsolete pug hobgoblin, monkey

Verb

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration from pugilist

Noun (3)

Hindi & Urdu pag foot, step

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1843, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pug was in 1751

Phrases Containing pug

Rhymes for pug

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Browse Nearby Words

pug
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Cite this Entry

“Pug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pug. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pug

noun
ˈpəg
: any of a breed of small sturdy compact dogs having a short coat, tightly curled tail, and broad wrinkled face

More from Merriam-Webster on pug

Nglish: Translation of pug for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pug

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