pet name
noun
a name or a term of address used to express affection for a person, thing, etc.
pet names
-
pluralof pet name.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
In the podcast, she serves as a loving alternative auntie figure and often addresses her audience with quirky pet names such as “my tender ravioli.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026
One concern is that the media being shared online could reveal details like birthdays, addresses, pet names, and so on - which later in life could increase the risk of identity fraud.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025
Small things that I could incorporate, like pet names and slang they used over the years.
From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2023
The Fish and Wildlife Service says it does not anthropomorphize wild animals by using human or pet names favored by the public and nongovernmental groups and calls her Female Wolf 2745.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 14, 2023
Unlike good names, pet names are frequendy meaningless, deliberately silly, ironic, even onomatopoetic.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
