plural petitions
1
: a written document that people sign to show that they want a person or organization to do or change something
They collected 2,000 signatures on a petition demanding that women be allowed to join the club.
Would you like to sign our petition?
2
a
: a formal written request made to an official person or organization
We presented a petition to the legislature to change the law.
b
law
: a formal written request to have a legal case decided by a court
She filed a petition for divorce.
They've denied your petition. [=the court will not hear your case]
3
formal
: a prayer or request to God or to a very powerful person or group
We ask you to hear our petition.
petitions; petitioned; petitioning
: to ask (a person, group, or organization) for something in a formal way
The organization petitioned the government to investigate the issue.
All people had the right to petition the king for help.
She petitioned to join their club.
—often + forThe students petitioned for permission to wear hats in school.
Cite this Entry
“Petition.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/petition. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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