Whelp/welp/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Animal Age Used specifically for young animals before they mature. We visited the shelter and saw a whelp playing with its siblings. Pro Tip 2/3Predatory Context Mostly refers to young from predatory species, not typically herbivores. The lioness kept a watchful eye on her wandering whelp. Pro Tip 3/3Emotive Imagery Can evoke feelings of vulnerability or cuteness related to the young animal. The little bear whelp clumsily followed its mother.