Definition of "pet" in English

noun

1. An animal kept as a companion or otherwise for pleasure, rather than for some practical benefit or use.

2. (by extension) Something kept as a companion, including inanimate objects (pet rock, pet plant, etc.).

3. One who is excessively loyal to a superior and receives preferential treatment.

4. Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a darling.

verb

1. (transitive) To stroke or fondle (an animal).

   • I really love to pet cute puppies.

2. (transitive, intransitive, informal) To stroke or fondle (another person) amorously.

   • We started petting each other the moment we were alone.
   • 1970-1975, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure We kissed & petted for about 15 mins & he still wasn't hard, altho he acted like he was enjoying himself.

3. (dated, transitive) To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge.

   • His daughter was petted and spoiled.

4. (archaic, intransitive) To be a pet.

5. (archaic, intransitive) To be peevish; to sulk.

adjective

1. (figurative) Favourite; cherished; the focus of one's (usually positive) attention.

   • a pet project
   • a pet child
   • The professor seemed offended by the criticism of her pet theory.

2. (literally) Kept or treated as a pet.

   • pet rock

3. (obsolete) Good; ideal.

noun

1. A fit of petulance, a sulk, arising from the impression that one has been offended or slighted.

verb

1. To be petulant or upset; to have a problem with.

noun

1. Abbreviation of petition.

noun

1. (Ireland, Geordie) A term of endearment usually applied to women and children.