NYT Dictionary

PUPA

/ˈpjuːpə/
NounPU-papu-pa · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An insect in the development stage between larva and adult.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from New Latin, from a special use of Latin pūpa (“little girl; doll, puppet”). Doublet of pupe; compare also puppet, puppy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

pupecaterpillargrublarvamaggotnymph

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.