pet

1 of 8

noun (1)

ˈpet 

1

: a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility

2

a

: a pampered and usually spoiled child

b

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

pet

2 of 8

adjective

1

: kept or treated as a pet

2

: expressing fondness or endearment

a pet name

3

: favorite

a pet project

pet

3 of 8

verb (1)

petted; petting

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

petter noun

pet

4 of 8

noun (2)

dated

: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger

resigned in a pet

pet

5 of 8

verb (2)

petted; petting

intransitive verb

: to take offense : sulk

pet

6 of 8

abbreviation (1)

petroleum

Pet

7 of 8

abbreviation (2)

Peter

PET

8 of 8

abbreviation (3)

positron-emission tomography

Synonyms of pet

Noun (1)

• favorite
• darling

Adjective

• beloved
• loved
• cherished
• favorite
• precious
• special
• darling
• sweet

Verb (1)

• pat
• stroke
• caress

Noun (2)

• pouts
• dumps
• blues
• irritableness

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

Noun

An evacuation center for residents and pets has been opened at the Chino Hills Community Center, at 14250 Peyton Drive. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

This applies especially for pets, because the algae can be extremely dangerous to their health. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Adjective

These include niceties like complimentary garment bags in closets and a pet park with space for four-legged guests to play with toys and water bowls that can be sent to the room. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026

Now through Friday, May 15, Amazon is offering major discounts on pet gear, treats, toys and travel accessories. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Verb

Sam and Katie Larimer of Lake Bluff brought their daughter Rosie, 2, who spent some time petting Squeeze. —Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

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, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1629, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1581, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1629, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pet

• family pet
• in a pet
• pet hate
• pet name
• pet peeve
• teacher's pet

Rhymes for pet

• bet
• brett
• debt
• et
• fret
• get
• jet
• let
• lett
• met
• net
• nett

Kids Definition

pet

1 of 4 noun

ˈpet 

1

: someone given special treatment or consideration

teacher's pet

2

: a tame animal kept for pleasure rather than for use

pet

2 of 4 adjective

1

: kept or treated as a pet

a pet rabbit

2

: showing fondness

a pet name

3

: favorite entry 2

my pet project

pet

3 of 4 verb

petted; petting

1

: fondle, caress

2

: to treat as a pet : pamper

3

: to engage in embracing, caressing, and kissing

pet

4 of 4 noun

: a spell of sulkiness or anger

Medical Definition

PET

abbreviation

positron-emission tomography