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
As the truly destitute are not likely to receive such invitations, this petty thievery is simply an abuse of hospitality and an insult to those who have offered it.
—
Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
At scale, the petty-minded bureaucrats implementing an agenda to sanitize American history, and to erase or suppress political dissent, have committed and will continue to commit a great deal of mischief.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid.
—Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Of course, David went on to build one of the most illustrious careers in television with characters who are often arrogant, petty and unlikable by traditional media standards.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for petty
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Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
At scale, the petty-minded bureaucrats implementing an agenda to sanitize American history, and to erase or suppress political dissent, have committed and will continue to commit a great deal of mischief.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid.
—Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Of course, David went on to build one of the most illustrious careers in television with characters who are often arrogant, petty and unlikable by traditional media standards.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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
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