Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 Puny /pyo͞on'-ē/ · Pu·ny · IPA /ˈpjuni/ a. n. 01 a. Imperfectly developed in size or vigor; small and feeble; inferior; petty. 1. Imperfectly developed in size or vigor; small and feeble; inferior; petty. “A puny subject strikes at thy great glory.” — Shak. “Breezes laugh to scorn our puny speed.” — Keble. 02 n. A youth; a novice. 1. A youth; a novice.[R.]