pet
1any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.
a person especially cherished or indulged; favorite: He was the teacher's pet.
a thing particularly cherished.
kept or treated as a pet: a pet lamb.
especially cherished or indulged, as a child or other person.
favorite; most preferred: a pet theory.
showing fondness or affection: to address someone with pet words.
to fondle or caress: to pet a dog.
to treat as a pet; indulge.
Informal. to engage in kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity with one’s partner, but not sexual intercourse.
Origin of pet
1Other words for pet
Other words from pet
- pet·ta·ble, adjective
Other definitions for pet (2 of 5)
a fit of peevishness, sulking, or bad mood.
to be peevish; sulk.
Origin of pet
2Other definitions for PET (3 of 5)
Origin of PET
3Other definitions for pet. (4 of 5)
petroleum.
Other definitions for Pet. (5 of 5)
Peter.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use pet in a sentence
Pictures of pets, pictures of relatives in coffins, pictures of intimate moments otherwise discarded in the recesses of memory.
“Our position is that people should stick to traditional domestic animals as pets,” she said.
As a result, he explained that he has seen judges handle divorce disputes regarding pets in wildly different ways.
Felder said threats of violence against pets during divorce disputes happen more than you think.
But many judges treat pets like furniture—with potentially devastating consequences.
Very charmingly is this respect for rule exhibited in all dealings with animals, also dolls and other pets.
Children's Ways | James SullyI never see sech hosses; 'n' they're jest like kittens; they've ben drefful pets, I allow.
Ramona | Helen Hunt JacksonJoe flung pieces of fish into the air, and kept chatting volubly as his pets swooped and squabbled.
The Chequers | James RuncimanThe children looked a little at the other birds and pets; but none interested them as much as the parrot.
The Nursery, December 1881, Vol. XXX | VariousCharley is one of my pets; and I am afraid I have presented you with an erroneously flattered picture of him.
Alone | Marion Harland
British Dictionary definitions for pet (1 of 4)
/ (pɛt) /
a tame animal kept in a household for companionship, amusement, etc
a person who is fondly indulged; favourite: teacher's pet
kept as a pet: a pet dog
of or for pet animals: pet food
particularly cherished; favourite: a pet theory; a pet hatred
familiar or affectionate: a pet name
pet day Scot and Irish a single fine day during a period of bad weather
(tr) to treat (a person, animal, etc) as a pet; pamper
(tr) to pat or fondle (an animal, child, etc)
(intr) informal (of two people) to caress each other in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking (often in the phrase heavy petting)
Origin of pet
1Derived forms of pet
- petter, noun
British Dictionary definitions for pet (2 of 4)
/ (pɛt) /
a fit of sulkiness, esp at what is felt to be a slight; pique
(intr) to take offence; sulk
Origin of pet
2British Dictionary definitions for PET (3 of 4)
positron emission tomography
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
British Dictionary definitions for Pet. (4 of 4)
/ Bible /
Peter
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with pet
In addition to the idiom beginning with pet
- pet peeve
also see:
- teacher's pet
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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