whelp
UK: wɛlp | US: wɛlp
n. a young offspring of a carnivorous mammal, especially a dog or wolf
v. to give birth to (used of animals, especially dogs or wolves)
The word "whelp" traces back to Old English hwelp, meaning "a young dog or wolf," which itself derives from Proto-Germanic hwelpaz. This root is shared with other Germanic languages (e.g., Old Norse hvelpr, Dutch welp). The term has retained its core meaning over centuries, specifically referring to the young of canines or similar carnivores. The verb form emerged later, reflecting the action of birthing such offspring.
The wolf's whelp played clumsily near the den.
The dog whelped a litter of six puppies last night.
Hunters spotted a fox whelp hiding in the bushes.
She carefully handled the newborn whelp to check its health.
The legend tells of a dragon raising its whelp in secrecy.