whelp
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /wɛlp/
KK: /wɛlp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To give birth to young animals, especially dogs or wolves.
Example
The dog whelped in the early morning hours.
Tense Forms
Past: whelped
Past Participle: whelped
Conversation
Did you hear that our dog is going to whelp soon?
Really? That's exciting! How many puppies do you think she'll have?
I hope she has at least three; I can't wait to see the little ones!
Me too! It'll be fun to watch them grow.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whelping
birthing
pupping
Antonyms
aborting
miscarrying
sterilizing
noun
Definition
A young animal, especially a dog or wolf, that has not yet grown up.
Example
The whelp played happily in the yard with its siblings.
Conversation
Did you see that adorable whelp at the pet store yesterday?
Yes! It was so playful and cute.
I can't believe how fast they grow up, though.
transitive verb
Definition
To give birth to young animals, especially dogs or wolves.
Example
The dog whelped a litter of puppies last night.
Tense Forms
Past: whelped
Past Participle: whelped
Conversation
Did you hear that our dog is about to whelp?
Really? That's so exciting!
Yeah, I can't wait to see the little puppies.
Root Explanation
Whelp originates from Old English 'whelp', meaning a young animal, particularly a young dog or wolf. The term has been used historically to refer to the offspring of certain mammals, especially canines.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for a young animal, which helps you remember that 'whelp' refers to a young dog or similar creature.
Visually Confused Words
help
rewhelp
whewl
wheep
wheel
wheal
whalp
swelp