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Synonyms

pet name

American  

noun

pet names plural
  1. a name or a term of address used to express affection for a person, thing, etc.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of pet name

First recorded in 1910–15

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.

See Examples For:

Outside is a bench dedicated to "Jennie Wren" – the family's pet name for her daughter – where Ms Moore often sits to reflect and allow memories from happier times to return.

From BBC Oct. 25, 2024

According to one explanation, Parnelli was an aunt’s pet name for her young nephew.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 5, 2024

He’ll botch a gig over his annoyance at not being allowed to call a stranger by a pet name she reserves for her closest friend.

From Salon Feb. 9, 2024

“Blueback” gets its title from the pet name a young diver gives her aquatic playmate.

From New York Times Mar. 2, 2023

“Polly-girl” had been her father’s pet name for her, and it angered her to hear it pour so carelessly from the mouth of this unpleasant young man.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

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