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
Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Child and pet welfare: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2025
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
In Europe, the species is considered invasive but has become more popular in the pet trade in recent years due regulations banning another pond turtle species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
The children’s zoo — in addition to getting a new alligator — recently opened its Goat Interaction Yard where guests can walk into the goat enclosure to pet the animals.
—Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Noun
During periods of extreme heat, the weather service advises people to drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors during peak heat, and check on neighbors and pets.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Child and pet welfare: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Some pet breeds and personalities require more daily exercise, attention and mental stimulation than others.
Commit to training.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
In Europe, the species is considered invasive but has become more popular in the pet trade in recent years due regulations banning another pond turtle species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
This fluffy breed of Scottish cattle is available for visitors to pet and take photos with, although arguably, their favorite activity is being fed.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
The children’s zoo — in addition to getting a new alligator — recently opened its Goat Interaction Yard where guests can walk into the goat enclosure to pet the animals.
—Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 18 July 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 19 Aug. 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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