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
1
: kept or treated as a pet
2
: expressing fondness or endearment
a pet name
3
: favorite
a pet project
petted; petting
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
: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : neck
petter
noun
: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger
—usually used in the phrase in a pet
resigned in a pet
petroleum
Peter
positron-emission tomography
Examples of pet in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges
Adjective
The mayor's pet project has been the construction of a new high school.
spent my free time on my pet project
Verb (1)
a cat who loves to be petted
Noun (2)
the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies
Recent Examples on the Web
Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
According to Miranda, the majority of the attention from the internet was positive, with countless cat lovers championing Miranda's devotion to her beloved pet.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 22 May 2025
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
The 2-story contraption is similar to machines that weigh potato chips or pet food, but more sensitive, according to Diltz.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025
During that time, horses can be taken for a walk, petted or given a makeover that includes glittery hoof polish and tail braiding.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Make sure your pets have plenty of water and shade.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
According to Miranda, the majority of the attention from the internet was positive, with countless cat lovers championing Miranda's devotion to her beloved pet.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
The pet food industry, reliant on salmon oil and trimmings, is also vulnerable to volatility.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
The 2-story contraption is similar to machines that weigh potato chips or pet food, but more sensitive, according to Diltz.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
Verb
Back at headquarters, meet adopted and rescued reptiles such as turtles, iguanas and a 1,000-pound gator named Cannibal, and pet a baby alligator.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025
During that time, horses can be taken for a walk, petted or given a makeover that includes glittery hoof polish and tail braiding.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pet. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pet
1 of 4 noun1
: someone given special treatment or consideration
teacher's pet
2
: a tame animal kept for pleasure rather than for use
pet
2 of 4 adjective1
: kept or treated as a pet
a pet rabbit
2
: showing fondness
a pet name
3
: favorite entry 2
my pet project
pet
4 of 4 noun
: a spell of sulkiness or anger
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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