pet

1 of 8

noun (1)

ˈpet 

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

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

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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)

: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger

—usually used in the phrase in a pet

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

Noun (1)

• darling
• fave
• favorite
• minion
• preference
• speed

Adjective

• beloved
• cherished
• darling
• dear
• fair-haired
• favored
• favorite
• fond
• loved
• precious
• special
• sweet
• white-headed

Verb (1)

• caress
• fondle
• gentle
• love
• pat
• stroke

Noun (2)

• grouch
• hump [British]
• pouts
• snit
• sulk
• sulkiness
• sullenness

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

In Hillsborough County, first responders have rescued 730 people and 111 pets. —Ashley R. Williams, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024

At least 340 people and 49 pets have been rescued in ongoing efforts, DeSantis said Thursday afternoon. —Julio Cortez, Kate Payne, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Getting Rid of Pet Hair or Lint Even the peskiest cleaning chores, such as removing pet hair from furniture, can be made easier with your trusty hairspray. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

Stegosaurus There is arguably no pet costume more classic than a good ol' dino. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024

Verb

Just petting a dog can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2024

In the picture, Teigen was petting a horse while wearing a black matching set complete with an extra-large tote bag slung over her shoulder. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024

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)

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

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