petulance

noun

pet·​u·​lance ˈpe-chə-lən(t)s How to pronounce petulance (audio)
: the quality or state of being petulant : peevishness

Examples of petulance in a Sentence

I do not appreciate your petulance and eagerness to argue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That love affair with Moss was the foundation and the bulldozer to Culture Club, at times keeping George grounded and at others sparking the singer's legendary petulance. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 June 2025 While Jean Seberg once imbued Cécile with girlish petulance, McInerny gives the role an electric charge of ambivalence. Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Seeing Green Day live is kind of brat, the petulance of Armstrong’s early years well in line with what Charli tries to do now. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025 But that all changed after a bout of petulance during a Premier League game against Blackburn Rovers in the final midweek of that season. Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for petulance

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petulance was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petulance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petulance. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

petulance

noun
pet·​u·​lance ˈpech-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce petulance (audio)
: the quality or state of being petulant

More from Merriam-Webster on petulance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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