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
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mixed in with small pleasures and petty disputes with her older sister are true feats of survival and bravery.
—
Lynette Rice, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025
Gangs stop petty thievery in their own neighborhoods.
—Walter E Block, Orange County Register, 22 Mar. 2025
Not to victim-blame, but that’s an awfully bold lip for someone who’s trying to avoid the ire of the famously jealous and petty Evil Queen.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
As with any large city, petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs frequently, so be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on public transportation.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
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Lynette Rice, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025
Gangs stop petty thievery in their own neighborhoods.
—Walter E Block, Orange County Register, 22 Mar. 2025
Not to victim-blame, but that’s an awfully bold lip for someone who’s trying to avoid the ire of the famously jealous and petty Evil Queen.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
As with any large city, petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs frequently, so be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on public transportation.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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