plural pets
1
: an animal (such as a dog, cat, bird, or fish) that people keep mainly for pleasure
He caught a snake and kept it as a pet for several years.
No pets (are) allowed.
An orange cat named Alex was our first family pet. [=a pet kept by a family]
—often used before another nounpet food
a pet store
a pet dog/cat
2
British
—used to address someone in a loving or friendly way
What's the matter, pet? [=darling]
always used before a noun
: very interesting or important to a particular person
The mayor's pet project has been the construction of a new high school.
I have my own pet [=favorite] theory about that.
a politician's pet causes/issues
pets; petted; petting
1
: to touch (a cat, dog, child, etc.) with your hand in a loving or friendly way
My dog loves to be petted.
2
informal
: to kiss and touch someone in a sexual way
There was some heavy petting going on at the party.
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pet. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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