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
Synonyms
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Spies have to deal with petty office politics like everyone else!
—
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
Speaking of petty, the W has embraced tension for its opening weekend by scheduling the first game between Chicago and Indiana, as well as the New York Liberty raising its championship banner before playing the Aces on May 17.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Drake, being Drake, of course, still got off a handful of petty jabs.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2024
Off on their field trip, the kids are occupied by their own mix of petty drama and more serious conflicts.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for petty 
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Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
Speaking of petty, the W has embraced tension for its opening weekend by scheduling the first game between Chicago and Indiana, as well as the New York Liberty raising its championship banner before playing the Aces on May 17.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Drake, being Drake, of course, still got off a handful of petty jabs.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2024
Off on their field trip, the kids are occupied by their own mix of petty drama and more serious conflicts.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for petty
Dictionary Entries Near petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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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