pettier; pettiest
1
: having secondary rank or importance : minor, subordinate
2
: having little or no importance or significance
3
: marked by or reflective of narrow interests and sympathies : small-minded
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Each encounter brings four options for how to beat that opponent, a prime opportunity to make petty jokes.
—
Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 2025
As a result, defendants in Colorado’s municipal courts can face much longer sentences than those in state court for the same petty offenses, The Denver Post previously found.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
In a moment of onstage solitude — one character, one conscience, and an audience of thousands — people who are condemned to historical importance can probe the gulf between their own, often petty emotions and the majesty of their fate.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
The absence of these words had become a weight between us, triggering insecurities and petty fights.
—May Wilkerson, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 2025
As a result, defendants in Colorado’s municipal courts can face much longer sentences than those in state court for the same petty offenses, The Denver Post previously found.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
In a moment of onstage solitude — one character, one conscience, and an audience of thousands — people who are condemned to historical importance can probe the gulf between their own, often petty emotions and the majesty of their fate.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
The absence of these words had become a weight between us, triggering insecurities and petty fights.
—May Wilkerson, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
petty
adjective
pet·ty
ˈpet-ē 
pettier; pettiest
1
: lesser in rank or importance : minor
a petty prince
2
: having little or no importance or meaning
petty details
3
: having or displaying a mean narrow-minded attitude : small-minded
Etymology
Middle English pety "small, minor," an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit "small"
Legal Definition
Biographical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share