pamper

verb pam·per \ ˈpam-pər \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of pamper

pampered; pampering play \ˈpam-p(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

1 archaic : to cram with rich food : glut

2 a : to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention

pampered their guests

pamper a pet

b : gratify, humor

enabled him to pamper his wanderlust
—New Yorker

—

pamperer

play \ˈpam-pər-ər\ noun

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See pamper defined for kids

Examples of pamper in a Sentence

They really pamper their guests at that hotel.
She pampered herself with a day at the spa.
He was pampered all his life and doesn't know how to function in the real world.

Recent Examples of pamper from the Web

Whether Pruitt hangs on or not, these incidents should serve as a red flashing light to other officials thinking of pampering themselves at taxpayer expense.

— howard kurtz, Fox News, "Living the life on taxpayers' dime: When Pruitt and others cross the line," 10 Apr. 2018
People who pamper their pets realize that their lifestyle can seem a bit crazy.

— cynthia billhartz gregorian, kansascity, "Doggy day cares, grooming spas and parties: Life is good for KC's pampered pets | The Kansas City Star," 29 Mar. 2018
In the weeks before the wedding, while Charles went skiing, Camilla and her sister took themselves off to India for some sunshine, pampering, and relaxation—and developed a taste for it.

— penny junor, Vanities, "How Camilla Won Over the Queen and Became the Duchess of Cornwall," 28 Mar. 2018
Enrique Iglesias is the new daddy in town, and now fans have one more reason to pamper him with presents.

— suzette fernandez, Billboard, "Enrique Iglesias' Heart Melts After Receiving a Baby Kimono From a Fan: Watch," 16 Mar. 2018
While some airlines have done away with it altogether, others are doubling down with palatial suite-style seats, lavish amenities, and services that pamper, both on the ground and in the air.

— jaclyn gallucci, Fortune, "How to Fly the Best First-Class Seats, Cheaper Than Economy," 27 Feb. 2018
For a holiday that connotes pampering, feel free to go all out in the gifting department.

— The Cut, "Valentine’s Day Gifts to Give, Ask for, or Treat Yourself To," 26 Jan. 2018
Get pampered at the spa with purchase of a six-pack of Pure Silk Contour razors.

— doreen christensen, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Free spa treatment with Pure Silk razor purchase," 12 Mar. 2018
Zama is the perfect place to spend a special day of pampering for special events, too.

— special to the oregonian, OregonLive.com, "Gerry Frank's picks: Replenish at these spas in Bend, Portland," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pamper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pamper

Middle English, probably of Dutch origin; akin to Dutch dialect pamperen to pamper

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

pamper Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of pamper

indulge, pamper, humor, spoil, baby, mollycoddle mean to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings. indulge implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires.