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
Synonyms
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
What does revoking Biden's security clearance accomplish other than satisfy a petty grievance of a childish man?
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
The purview of his catalogue narrowed, focusing on refining a reputation as a petty king in rap and in relationships.
—
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
The law allows for use of cannabis products only on private property, and creates a petty misdemeanor charge for public consumption.
—
Brent Schacherer, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Zoom in: Some of Trump's acts of vengeance this week have been petty and personal.
—
Zachary Basu, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English pety small, minor, alteration of petit
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of petty was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing petty
- chief petty officer
- master chief petty officer
- master chief petty officer of the coast guard
- master chief petty officer of the navy
- petty bourgeois
- petty bourgeoisie
- petty cash
- petty larceny
- petty officer
- petty officer first class
- petty officer second class
- petty officer third class
- petty theft
- senior chief petty officer
Dictionary Entries Near petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on petty
Nglish: Translation of petty for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of petty for Arabic Speakers
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