English Reference

Word

pooch

US/ˈputʃ/

UK/pˈuːtʃ/

Definition

n. a friendly way to say 'dog'. You use this word when you want to sound casual or when talking to someone who owns a pet.

n. a colloquial term for a dog.

Examples

“The neighbor's little pooch ran into the yard and started barking at the mailman.”

Examples

contextual

“The neighbor's little pooch ran into the yard and started barking at the mailman.”

Etymology

Of uncertain origin. One (unsubstantiated) conjecture is that the word comes from Putzi, a common German name given to lapdogs. The name Putzi is possibly formed from German Putz + -i, influenced by German putzig (“funny, cute, small”, adjective).

Probably related to pouch.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

01. screw the pooch

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference