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
Huggable heatIf your friend constantly talks about getting a dog that will double as a warm cushion in the winter months, but their landlord doesn’t allow pets, gift them the next best thing.
The hottest gifts to buy for the friend who’s always cold | Sandra Gutierrez G. | November 20, 2020 | Popular-ScienceFor instance, an animal pet supplies retailer in the USA generated over 1,500 entries in 25 days by holding a hashtag contest.
Harness the power of integrated CRO and social media | Ricky Wang | November 17, 2020 | Search Engine WatchSince 2014, the Capitals have raised more than $500,000 for the nonprofit pet adoption organization Homeward Trails through sales of an annual canine calendar, featuring photos of players posing with dogs in search of forever homes.
Capitals’ 2021 calendar features relatable theme, with players at home during pandemic | Scott Allen | November 12, 2020 | Washington PostBy illustrating the suffering that free-roaming house cats cause, he hopes to spark discussion about alternative solutions for reducing the death toll caused by our pets.
These Photos Remind Us Why Conservation Matters - Issue 92: Frontiers | Kevin Berger | November 11, 2020 | NautilusShe noted that many seniors have plenty of disposable income and are looking to throw it around on not just themselves but grandchildren and pets as well.
‘Technology is the new toilet paper’ for seniors facing the pandemic | Jeff | November 11, 2020 | Fortune
She actually petted Kate's arm when she met her at a reception last night.
Her hand tightened on mine and her head fell back upon my shoulder, but she still trembled and I petted her and comforted her.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show | Robert W. Chambers | February 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTYou think being petted by Michelle Obama and lounging in the Oval Office is enough to make a dog happy?
Sunny’s Debut, Bo’s Bubble, and the Undogly Life of a Presidential Pet | Dr. Patty Khuly | August 21, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTGilbert was one of those petted individuals who carry the good-will of others by storm.
The World Before Them | Susanna MoodieShe's just been petted at home, and praised and sheltered so much, that she didn't have a chance to show what she really was.
Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn RaymondHe was the image of Juana, who secretly petted him extravagantly, although she pretended to like her younger son the better.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois ChristopheShe was a petted beauty, this Rosamond, and being seventeen was both much admired and sought after.
Maid Sally | Harriet A. CheeverUncle Peter petted her, and even Miss Grundy had more than once admitted that "she was about as good as young ones would average."
The English Orphans | Mary Jane Holmes
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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