pet

¹pet

noun \ˈpet\

Definition of PET

1

a : a pampered and usually spoiled child

b : a person who is treated with unusual kindness or consideration : darling

2

: a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility

Origin of PET

perhaps back-formation from Middle English pety small — more at petty

First Known Use: 1508

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with PET

bet, debt, fret, get, het, jet, let, Lett, met, net, ret, set, stet, sweat, Tet, threat, vet, wet, whet, yet

²pet

adjective

Definition of PET

1

: kept or treated as a pet

2

: expressing fondness or endearment <a pet name>

3

: favorite <a pet project>

Examples of PET

1. The mayor's pet project has been the construction of a new high school.
2. <spent my free time on my pet project>

First Known Use of PET

1584

Related to PET

Synonyms

beloved, cherished, dear, fair-haired, favored, favorite, fond, loved, darling, precious, special, sweet, white-headed

Antonyms

unbeloved

Related Words

admired, adored, appreciated, esteemed, relished, revered; prized, treasured; preferred

Near Antonyms

abhorred, abominated, despised, detested, disdained, disfavored, disliked, execrated, hated, loathed, unfavorite; abandoned, forgotten, ignored; alienated, estranged

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

³pet

verb

pet·tedpet·ting

Definition of PET

transitive verb

1

a : to treat as a pet

b : to stroke in a gentle or loving manner

2

: to treat with unusual kindness and consideration : pamper

intransitive verb

: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : neck

— pet·ter noun

First Known Use of PET

1629

⁴pet

noun

Definition of PET

: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger

Origin of PET

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1581

⁵pet

intransitive verb

pet·tedpet·ting

Definition of PET

: to take offense : sulk

First Known Use of PET

1629

⁶pet

abbreviation

Definition of PET

petroleum

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Pet

abbreviation

Definition of PET

Peter

Other Bible Terms

antediluvian, apocalyptic, apocrypha, behemoth

PET

abbreviation

Definition of PET

positron-emission tomography

pet

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any animal kept by humans for companionship or pleasure rather than for utility. The main distinction between pets and domesticated livestock is the degree of contact between owner and animal. Another distinction is the owner's affection for the animal, which is often returned. Dogs are known to have been kept as pets since prehistoric times; cats, since the 16th century BC; and horses, since at least 2000 BC. Other common pets include birds, rabbits, rodents, raccoons, reptiles, amphibians, and even insects. The trend toward making pets of exotic animals (e.g., monkeys and ocelots) is worrisome because owners can rarely provide for their needs, and the animals' already precarious populations are further depleted when members are sold for pets.