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
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Its focus system covers nearly the entirety of the image sensor and supports face and eye detection for people and pets, which are basic features among today's cameras.
—PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Both models cost less than $200 and are ideal for pet owners that need a vacuum cleaner that can handle coarse fur, hair, and of course, hairballs.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 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
Cicadas are not dangerous to humans or pets, experts say.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Its focus system covers nearly the entirety of the image sensor and supports face and eye detection for people and pets, which are basic features among today's cameras.
—PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Other Reddit users say the woman isn't at fault, and that her boyfriend is an irresponsible pet owner.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Both models cost less than $200 and are ideal for pet owners that need a vacuum cleaner that can handle coarse fur, hair, and of course, hairballs.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
If your pet persists in soliciting more attention, pet them for another 3 seconds and repeat.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Other family friendly activities include a petting farm, performances, and trains and inflatable rides.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 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 5 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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