pet

1 of 8

noun (1)

ˈpet 

1

a

: a pampered and usually spoiled child

b

: a person who is treated with unusual kindness or consideration : darling

2

: a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility

pet

2 of 8

adjective

1

: kept or treated as a pet

2

: expressing fondness or endearment

a pet name

3

: favorite

a pet project

pet

3 of 8

verb (1)

petted; petting

transitive verb

1

a

: to treat as a pet

b

: to stroke in a gentle or loving manner

2

: to treat with unusual kindness and consideration : pamper

intransitive verb

: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : neck

petter noun

pet

4 of 8

noun (2)

: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger

—usually used in the phrase in a pet

resigned in a pet

pet

5 of 8

verb (2)

petted; petting

intransitive verb

: to take offense : sulk

pet

6 of 8

abbreviation (1)

petroleum

Pet

7 of 8

abbreviation (2)

Peter

PET

8 of 8

abbreviation (3)

positron-emission tomography

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• darling
• fave
• favorite
• minion
• preference
• speed

Adjective

• beloved
• cherished
• darling
• dear
• fair-haired
• favored
• favorite
• fond
• loved
• precious
• special
• sweet
• white-headed

Verb (1)

• caress
• fondle
• gentle
• love
• pat
• stroke

Noun (2)

• grouch
• hump [British]
• pouts
• snit
• sulk
• sulkiness
• sullenness

Examples of pet in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges

Adjective

The mayor's pet project has been the construction of a new high school.

spent my free time on my pet project

Verb (1)

a cat who loves to be petted

Noun (2)

the teenager stalked off in a pet after being refused permission to go the movies

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What's Delta Dog Policy Passengers traveling with pets must meet a long list of requirements as laid out by Delta Airlines on their official website. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

How would a baby fit into a sublet that doesn’t even allow pets? —Daisy Jones, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

Adjective

While dogs can travel in the cabin for a one way fee, the animal must be able to fit in a soft-sided ventilated pet kennel that can be stowed under the seat in front of each passenger. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Apple Soho Address: 103 Prince Street Opened In: July 18, 2002 Apple Soho opened before Fifth Avenue and was similarly a Jobs pet project. —Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 24 Dec. 2024

Verb

The photo captures Grace with her father, Chandler Powell, petting the giant reptile together at the Australia Zoo. —Charna Flam, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

On their second day, some stray dogs were taken outside for 45 minutes to play, get groomed and petted and get practice with basic commands. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

perhaps back-formation from Middle English pety small — more at petty

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1629, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1581, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1629, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pet

• family pet
• in a pet
• pet hate
• pet name
• pet peeve
• teacher's pet

Kids Definition

pet

1 of 4 noun

ˈpet 

1

: someone given special treatment or consideration

teacher's pet

2

: a tame animal kept for pleasure rather than for use

pet

2 of 4 adjective

1

: kept or treated as a pet

a pet rabbit

2

: showing fondness

a pet name

3

: favorite entry 2

my pet project

pet

3 of 4 verb

petted; petting

1

: fondle, caress

2

: to treat as a pet : pamper

3

: to engage in embracing, caressing, and kissing

pet

4 of 4 noun

: a spell of sulkiness or anger

Medical Definition

PET

abbreviation

positron-emission tomography