catulus
[ˈka.tʊ.ɫʊs]masculine
The Latin word for puppy is catulus. Wiktionary also lists catellus.
Meaning: young dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| catulus | [ˈka.tʊ.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkaː.tu.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| catellus | [kaˈtɛl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [kaˈtɛl.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The phrase refers to a young dog.
Which one should you use?
catulus is the standard term used for a young dog or puppy, whereas catellus is a diminutive form that emphasizes that the puppy is very small or cute.
How does it change in a sentence?
The nominative plural form of catulus is catuli.
Did you know?
- In Latin, catulus was not limited to dogs and could be used to describe the young of any animal, such as a 'cub'.
- The root of catulus is related to the Umbrian word katel, which referred to an animal used for sacrifice.
- In some ancient texts, catulus was used metaphorically to describe someone who was inexperienced or naive.
Examples in context
- Quando catulus canis fit?When does a puppy become a dog?The first sentence shows how to ask when a catulus becomes a dog.Tatoeba #12085439 by shekitten, translation #9681751 by shekitten
- Nonne bibit catulus aquam?Does the puppy drink water?The second sentence provides an example of asking if a catulus drinks water.Tatoeba #11152047 by carlosalberto, translation #11152012 by carlosalberto
- Catellus caudam agitans me secutus est.A puppy followed me wagging its tail.The third sentence uses catellus to describe a small puppy wagging its tail and following someone.Tatoeba #8918430 by alexmarcelo, translation #246092 by CM
- Amicus mihi dedit catellum pulchrum.My friend gave me a beautiful puppy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are watching a small dog in a garden.
- LuciaEcce catulus parvus!Look, a little puppy!
- MarcusIta, catulus est laetus.Yes, the puppy is happy.
- LuciaMarce, vultne catulus cibum?Marcus, does the puppy want food?
- MarcusEsurire videtur.He seems to be hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries catulus, catellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catellus, catulus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
