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
1
: kept or treated as a pet
2
: expressing fondness or endearment
a pet name
3
: favorite
a pet project
petted; petting
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
: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : neck
petter
noun
: a fit of peevishness, sulkiness, or anger
—usually used in the phrase in a pet
resigned in a pet
petroleum
Peter
positron-emission tomography
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
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) explains it as 3 days - 3 weeks - 3 months, where in the first few days pets are often stressed, and sticking to a routine while giving them space is key.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2025
About 51% of pet owners consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as a human member, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) explains it as 3 days - 3 weeks - 3 months, where in the first few days pets are often stressed, and sticking to a routine while giving them space is key.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This portable cleaner has 12Kpa suction power that easily removes dirt, pet stains, odors, and other tough spots from carpet, couches, baby car seats, high chairs, and more.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2025
About 51% of pet owners consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as a human member, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
To become your dog's favorite, focus on positive interactions, like feeding, playing, walking, petting, and spending quality time together.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pet
Cite this Entry
“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pet. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pet
1 of 4 noun1
: someone given special treatment or consideration
teacher's pet
2
: a tame animal kept for pleasure rather than for use
pet
2 of 4 adjective1
: kept or treated as a pet
a pet rabbit
2
: showing fondness
a pet name
3
: favorite entry 2
my pet project
pet
4 of 4 noun
: a spell of sulkiness or anger
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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