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.
In 2023, the Oregon festival introduced a “Bacterial Petting Zoo” to teach children and newbies about the different types of microorganisms responsible for fermentation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
Kids and selfie seekers will enjoy the Pioneertown Petting Zoo where $10 will buy you 20 minutes with chickens, turkeys and a small horse.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025
The emus were given a short break at at the Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo before they were reunited with Mrs Muralyi.
From BBC • Dec. 22, 2023
Petting moss soothes like petting a shaggy dog without the drawback of a slobbery tongue.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2022
Petting Scamper was like a salve, and I felt the irritation in me fade.
From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence
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.
