pet

¹ American  

[pet] / pɛt /

noun

1. any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.

2. a person especially cherished or indulged; favorite.

   He was the teacher's pet.

3. a thing particularly cherished.

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adjective

1. kept or treated as a pet.

   a pet lamb.

2. especially cherished or indulged, as a child or other person.

3. favorite; most preferred.

   a pet theory.

4. showing fondness or affection.

   to address someone with pet words.

verb (used with object)

petted, petting

1. to fondle or caress.

   to pet a dog.

2. to treat as a pet; indulge.

   Synonyms:

   favor, pamper, humor, baby

verb (used without object)

petted, petting

1. Informal. to engage in kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity with one’s partner, but not sexual intercourse.

pet ² American  

[pet] / pɛt /

noun

1. a fit of peevishness, sulking, or bad mood.

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verb (used without object)

1. to be peevish; sulk.

PET ³ American  

[pet] / pɛt /

noun

Computers, Medicine/Medical.

1. positron emission tomography.

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pet. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. petroleum.

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Pet. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. Peter.

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pet ¹ British  

/ pɛt /

noun

1. a tame animal kept in a household for companionship, amusement, etc

2. a person who is fondly indulged; favourite

   teacher's pet

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adjective

1. kept as a pet

   a pet dog

2. of or for pet animals

   pet food

3. particularly cherished; favourite

   a pet theory

   a pet hatred

4. familiar or affectionate

   a pet name

5. a single fine day during a period of bad weather

verb

1. (tr) to treat (a person, animal, etc) as a pet; pamper

2. (tr) to pat or fondle (an animal, child, etc)

3. informal (intr) (of two people) to caress each other in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking (often in the phrase heavy petting )

PET ² British  

abbreviation

1. positron emission tomography

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acronym

1. potentially exempt transfer: a procedure in the UK whereby gifting property and cash is tax-free, provided that the donor lives for at least seven years after the gift is made

pet ³ British  

/ pɛt /

noun

1. a fit of sulkiness, esp at what is felt to be a slight; pique

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verb

1. (intr) to take offence; sulk

Pet. ⁴ British  

abbreviation

1. Peter

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pet Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing pet

• teacher's pet

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Usage

What does pet mean? A pet is any animal that is tamed and trained to be kept as a companion, such as a dog or a bird.To pet means to stroke or rub an animal’s fur or body in a cherished way.A pet can also be a person or object that someone cherishes or indulges.Finally, pet can describe something that is cherished, such as a pet theory.Example: She is so extravagant that she has a big birthday party for her pet dog every year.

Other Word Forms

• pettable adjective
• petter noun

Etymology

Origin of pet¹

First recorded in 1500–10; perhaps back formation from pet lamb. shortened variant of petty lamb “little lamb”; petty

Origin of pet²

First recorded in 1590–1600; origin uncertain; pettish

Origin of PET³

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The question roiling this southern African country is more existential: Are the animals personal pets, or furry policemen?

From The Wall Street Journal

I thought of my search for a hotel room during which I was asked to decide between packages with different options for parking, cancellation, floor height, chocolates, yoga and pet treats.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s like a pet,” said Lindsey Allen, 25, a tech content creator in Michigan who named hers Soup.

From The Wall Street Journal

Vets have told BBC Panorama they feel under increasing pressure to make money for the big companies that employ them - and worry about the costly financial impact on pet owners.

From BBC

He said the rescue centre was not planning to rehabilitate the animals or make them into pets.

From BBC

Related Words

• caress
• coddle
• cuddle
• fondle
• pamper