petting
Americannoun
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the act of fondling or caressing.
Petting or massage may help calm a stressed or hyperactive dog.
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Informal. kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse.
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the present participle of pet.
Etymology
Origin of petting
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.
Capybaras occasionally wander into the café, though petting them isn’t allowed.
From Slate • May 27, 2026
Following the outbreak, the farm shop voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions and cooperated fully with the investigation, PHW said last year.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
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 • Mar. 3, 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
“He’s not dumb, Dad,” Matt answered, offended, petting the sleeping head of a black mongrel dog in the back seat.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
