WHELP Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

whelp

[hwelp, welp]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the young of a carnivore, as a dog, bear, lion, seal, etc.
a youth, especially an impudent or despised one.
Synonyms: , ,
Machinery.��
1. any of a series of longitudinal projections or ridges on the barrel of a capstan, windlass, etc.
2. any of the teeth of a sprocket wheel.

verb (used with or without object)

(of a female dog, lion, etc.) to give birth to (young).

whelp

/ ��ɛ�� /

noun

a young offspring of certain animals, esp of a wolf or dog
derogatory��a young man or youth
humorous��a young child
nautical any of the ridges, parallel to the axis, on the drum of a capstan to keep a rope, cable, or chain from slipping

verb

(of an animal or, disparagingly, a woman) to give birth to (young)

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

whelpless adjective
unwhelped adjective

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of whelp¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun, from Old English hwelp (cognate with Old Norse hvelpr, Old Saxon hwelp, Old High German hwelf, welf, German Welf); verb derivative of the noun

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of whelp¹

Old English hwelp ( a ); related to Old High German hwelf, Old Norse hvelpr, Danish hvalp

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The puppies were whelped by Kruse’s business partner and former employee who sells the litters from Kruse’s breeding dogs under his own license, which had not been suspended.

From

Historically in winter, the gulf’s pack ice transforms into the southernmost whelping grounds for harp seals—an ice nursery for newborn pups.

From

Then, at long last and at such a late hour, the whelp nuts up.

From

If you’re craving some cuteness overload, check out Warrior Canine Connection’s puppy whelping room cam.

From

“That first view of … whelp, there’s no building there.”

From

whelmed whelping ice

Browse