petting
Americannoun
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the act of fondling or caressing.
Petting or massage may help calm a stressed or hyperactive dog.
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Informal. kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse.
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the present participle of pet.
Etymology
Origin of petting
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Capybaras occasionally wander into the café, though petting them isn’t allowed.
From Slate • May 27, 2026
Following last year's outbreak, PHW has issued a warning to people who are preparing for outings to farms and petting attractions this spring.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
Signs on most kennels asked visitors to avoid putting their hands inside the kennels or petting the animals.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
I haven’t watched the series, so I didn’t understand why we were beheading a stuffed bear, but families seemed thrilled to explore the venue, including petting Uncle Fester’s Chupacabra.
From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025
"Meet me at my house at four o'clock. When we get to the petting zoo, I'll tell you the answer to the mystery."
From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
