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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Signs on most kennels asked visitors to avoid putting their hands inside the kennels or petting the animals.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

"Everyone felt jittery, and no-one knew what would happen," says Stella, who has developed a habit of petting and squeezing her plushies since Covid.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

I haven’t watched the series, so I didn’t understand why we were beheading a stuffed bear, but families seemed thrilled to explore the venue, including petting Uncle Fester’s Chupacabra.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

Opening the notebook, Nancy wrote, How is Buttons getting out of the petting zoo?

From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene

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