petting

American  

[pet-ing] / ˈpɛt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of fondling or caressing.

   Petting or massage may help calm a stressed or hyperactive dog.

2. Informal. kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse.

3. the present participle of pet.

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Etymology

Origin of petting

First recorded in 1870–75; pet ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

They were petting the dogs, feeding them hamburgers and candy.

From Literature

Companies offer tests, supplements and guidance—like petting zoos and dirt piles—with the promise of improving infants’ health.

From The Wall Street Journal

The companies also offer recommendations, like giving certain supplements or bringing babies to a petting zoo, which they said can improve children’s microbiomes.

From The Wall Street Journal

He couldn’t even stand to see me petting an old hog, or a cat.

From Literature

There, visitors can spend time petting the rodents for about $32.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• extravagance
• kindness
• leniency
• permissiveness
• privilege