pet

1 of 8

noun (1)

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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Public health experts are advising people to avoid contact with sick animals and to keep their pets at a safe distance as well. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 There’s also thoughtfully designed furniture that’s made for the pet’s comfort but still looks stylish (like a woven wall hammock). Malia Griggs, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Shop Petco for all the cutest dog toys, outfits, toys, treats, pet beds and more. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 Combining nostalgia and modern technology to create a digital pet kids and parents will love, Bitzee dives into the magical world of Disney like never before. Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
The list of activities continues with archery, horseback and pony riding, swamp buggy airboat rides, a pontoon cruise, a petting farm, and trap and skeet shooting. Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 The nonprofit uses an approach where there’s no horseback riding - the therapy takes place exclusively on the ground where the client can observe the horses, walk along side of them and pet them. Kelly Bowman, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pet 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pet was in 1508

Dictionary Entries Near pet

Cite this Entry

“Pet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pet. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pet

1 of 4 noun
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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