Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense pets, present participle petting, past tense, past participle petted
1. countable noun
A pet is an animal that you keep in your home to give you company and pleasure.
It is plainly cruel to keep turtles as pets.
...a bachelor living alone in a flat with his pet dog.
They would sell the meat off as pet food.
2. adjective
Someone's pet theory, project, or subject is one that they particularly support or like.
He would not stand by and let his pet project be killed off.
One of my pet theories is that anyone can do anything if they really set their mindto it.
3. vocative noun
Some people call the person they are talking to 'pet' to show affection or friendliness.
[British, spoken, feelings]
It's all right, pet, let me do it.
4. verb
If you pet a person or animal, you touch them in an affectionate way.
The police officer reached down and petted the wolfhound. [VERB noun]
I petted and smoothed her hair. [VERB noun]
More Synonyms of pet
pet in British English1
(pɛt)
noun
1.
a tame animal kept in a household for companionship, amusement, etc
2.
a person who is fondly indulged; favourite
teacher's pet
adjective
3.
kept as a pet
a pet dog
4.
of or for pet animals
pet food
5.
particularly cherished; favourite
a pet theory
a pet hatred
6.
familiar or affectionate
a pet name
7. pet day
verbWord forms: pets, petting or petted
8. (transitive)
to treat (a person, animal, etc) as a pet; pamper
9. (transitive)
to pat or fondle (an animal, child, etc)
10. (intransitive) informal
(of two people) to caress each other in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking (often in the phrase heavy petting)
Derived forms
petter (ˈpetter)
noun
Word origin
C16: origin unknown
pet in British English2
(pɛt)
noun
1.
a fit of sulkiness, esp at what is felt to be a slight; pique
verbWord forms: pets, petting or petted
2. (intransitive)
to take offence; sulk
Word origin
C16: of uncertain origin
PET in British English1
abbreviation for
1. Also: PETE
polyethylene terephthalate: a thermoplastic polymer widely used in packaging
2.
positron emission tomography
PET in British English2
(pɛt)
noun acronym for
potentially exempt transfer: a procedure in the UK whereby gifting property and cash is tax-free, provided that the donor lives for at least seven years after the gift is made
Pet. in British English
Bible
abbreviation for
Peter
Peter in British English
(ˈpiːtə)
noun New Testament
1.
Saint. Also called: Simon Peter. died ?67 ad, a fisherman of Bethsaida, who became leader of the apostles and is regarded by Roman Catholics as the first pope; probably martyred at Rome. Feast day: June 29 or Jan 18
2.
either of two epistles traditionally ascribed to Peter (in full The First Epistle and The Second Epistle of Peter)
PET in American English
(pɛt)
noun
PET scan
Pet in American English
Bible
Peter
pet in American English1
(pɛt)
noun
1.
an animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness
2.
a person who is treated with particular affection or indulgence; favorite; darling
adjective
3.
kept or treated as a pet
a pet duck
4.
especially liked; favorite
5.
greatest; especial; particular
one's pet peeve
6.
showing fondness or affection
a pet name
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈpetted or ˈpetting
7.
to stroke or pat gently; fondle; caress
8.
to be indulgent toward; pamper
verb intransitive US
9. Informal
to kiss, embrace, fondle, etc., passionately in mutual sexual stimulation
SIMILAR WORDS: caˈress
Derived forms
petter (ˈpetter)
noun
Word origin
orig. Scot dial., prob. back-form. < ME pety, small: see petty
pet in American English2
(pɛt)
noun
1.
a state of sulky peevishness or ill humor
verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈpetted or ˈpetting
2.
to be in a pet; sulk
Word origin
< earlier phr. to take the pet < ?
COBUILD Collocations
pet
beloved pet
exotic pet
family pet
Examples of 'pet' in a sentence
pet
The committee will also call for a ban on the sale of puppies by pet shops.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The ingredients in unbranded pet food are similar to expensive brands but far cheaper.
The Sun (2016)
He came over to pet my dog.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It also called for pet shops to be banned from selling puppies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She hopes the work could help dog owners spot when pets are stressed and find ways to improve their lives.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Your new love keeps unusual pets.
The Sun (2017)
Red vehicles, celebrity biographies, unusual pets and flower names also bring your family luck.
The Sun (2017)
The average family will pay 90 more for car, home and pet insurance next year than they did last year.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We had this really strong relationship which had its dose of heavy petting.
Stanko, Elizabeth Everyday Violence (1990)
And it was perhaps insensitive to try to sell pet funerals to distressed purchasers.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
And then he was asked for his pet theory.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They put it in a box and took it to a pet shop.
The Sun (2007)
They plan to jail people whose pets attack at home and to microchip all puppies.
The Sun (2012)
They do a good job on pet food.
The Sun (2014)
About half of households own a pet.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Others share their dreams and disappointments with a dog or favored pet.
Christianity Today (2000)
If people are worried then they should try to keep their pets away from wild birds.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
So replacing your favourite pet with another of the same breed may not always do the trick.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You can tell an awful lot about a person from their pets.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Visitors are welcome to fuss and pet the animals.
The Sun (2011)
What about rights and freedoms for pet owners?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This could be any environment ranging from a redesigned school canteen to a home for a pet.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
The pampered pets in this show have their owners wrapped around their teeny paws.
The Sun (2012)
Somehow it is hilarious when a pet shop catches fire.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
To many he is the teacher 's pet.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Rather than selling direct to pet owners, they initially tried the wholesale route.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The roles are ideal for animal lovers - nine in ten current staff own pets and the firm encourage employees to gain qualifications in pet care.
The Sun (2011)
As is my own pet theory, that the song is sung to a personification of Poetry.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Word lists with
pet
affection
In other languages
pet
British English: pet /pɛt/ NOUN
A pet is an animal that you keep in your home to give you company and pleasure.
...dogs and other pets.
American English: pet
Arabic: حَيَوَانٌ ألِيفٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: animal de estimação
Chinese: 宠物
Croatian: ljubimac
Czech: domácí mazlíček
Danish: kæledyr
Dutch: huisdier
European Spanish: animal doméstico
Finnish: lemmikkieläin
French: animal de compagnie
German: Haustier
Greek: κατοικίδιο
Italian: animale domestico
Japanese: ペット
Korean: 애완 동물
Norwegian: kjæledyr
Polish: zwierzę domowe
European Portuguese: animal de estimação
Romanian: animal de companie
Russian: домашнее животное
Latin American Spanish: mascota
Swedish: husdjur
Thai: สัตว์เลี้ยง
Turkish: ev hayvanı
Ukrainian: домашня тварина
Vietnamese: vật nuôi làm cảnh
British English: pet ADJECTIVE
Someone's pet theory, project, or subject is one that they particularly support or like.
He would not stand by and let his pet project be killed off.
American English: pet
Brazilian Portuguese: favorito
Chinese: 钟爱的理论、项目、学科等
European Spanish: favorito
French: favori
German: Lieblings-
Italian: favorito
Japanese: 得意の
Korean: 특별히 아끼는
European Portuguese: favorito
Latin American Spanish: favorito
British English: pet VERB
If you pet a person or animal, you touch them in an affectionate way.
The policeman reached down and petted the wolfhound.
American English: pet
Brazilian Portuguese: acariciar
Chinese: 爱抚
European Spanish: acariciar
French: caresser
German: streicheln
Italian: accarezzare
Japanese: なでる
Korean: 쓰다듬다
European Portuguese: acariciar
Latin American Spanish: acariciar
Chinese translation of 'pet'
pet
(pɛt)
n(c)
宠(寵)物 (chǒngwù) (只, zhī)
adj
[theory, subject, project]特别(別)的 (tèbié de)
vt
(= stroke)[person, animal]抚(撫)摸 (fǔmō)
vi
(sexually) 爱(愛)抚(撫) (àifǔ)
teacher's pet (= favourite) 老师(師)的宠(寵)儿(兒) (lǎoshī de chǒng'ér)
pet dog/rabbit etc宠(寵)物狗/兔等 (chǒngwù gǒu/tù děng)
pet hate特别(別)讨(討)厌(厭)的事物 (tèbié tǎoyàn de shìwù)
1 (adjective)
Definition
strongly felt or particularly cherished
The proceeds will be split between her pet charities.
Synonyms
favourite
Her favourite writer is Charles Dickens.
chosen
special
personal
That's my personal property!
particular
prized
preferred
favoured
The favoured candidate will emerge soon.
dearest
cherished
of choice
fave (informal)
dear to your heart
2 (adjective)
Definition
kept as a pet
One in four households owns a pet dog.
Synonyms
tame
tame animals at a children's zoo or farm
trained
domestic
a domestic cat
house
domesticated
our domesticated animals and plants
house-trained (British)
house-broken
(noun)
Definition
a person who is favoured or indulged
They taunted her about being the teacher's pet.
Synonyms
favourite
He was a favourite of the king.
treasure
Charlie? Oh he's a treasure, he's so kind.
darling
He was the darling of the family.
jewel
Barbados is a perfect jewel of an island.
idol
They cheered as they caught sight of their idol.
fave (informal)
apple of your eye
blue-eyed boy or girl (British, informal)
1 (verb)
Definition
to pat or stroke affectionately
A woman sat petting a cocker spaniel.
Synonyms
fondle
He took the child from her mother and fondled her.
pat
She patted me on the knee.
stroke
She was absentmindedly stroking her cat.
caress
They kissed and caressed one another.
2 (verb)
Definition
to treat as a pet
She had petted her son all his life.
Synonyms
pamper
Her parents have pampered her since the day she was born.
spoil
Grandparents are often tempted to spoil their grandchildren.
indulge
She did not agree with indulging children.
cosset
Important clients were cosseted and pampered like royalty.
baby
My parents never babied me, unless I was really ill.
dote on
coddle
I coddled my youngest son dreadfully.
mollycoddle
He accused me of mollycoddling the children.
wrap in cotton wool
3 (verb)
Definition
(of two people) to caress each other in an erotic manner
(informal)
They were kissing and petting on the couch.
Synonyms
cuddle
They used to kiss and cuddle in front of everyone.
kiss
She kissed me on the cheek.
snog (British, slang)
smooch (informal)
neck (informal)
They were necking together on the sofa when I came in.
canoodle (slang)
(noun)
Definition
a fit of sulkiness
He flew off in a pet.
Synonyms
sulk
temper
She was still in a temper when I arrived.
paddy (British, informal)
Don't talk to him just now - he's in a real paddy.
pout
tantrum
My son had a tantrum and banged his fist on the ground.
sulks
huff
I went into a huff because we lost the game.
pique
In a fit of pique, he threw down his bag.
ill temper
bad mood
bate (British, slang)
miff (informal)
paddywhack (British, informal)
foulie (Australian, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of baby
Definition
to treat like a baby
My parents never babied me, unless I was really ill.
Synonyms
spoil,
pamper,
cosset,
coddle,
pet,
humour,
indulge,
spoon-feed,
mollycoddle,
overindulge,
wrap up in cotton wool (informal)
in the sense of caress
Definition
to touch gently and affectionately
They kissed and caressed one another.
Synonyms
stroke,
cuddle,
fondle,
pet,
embrace,
hug,
nuzzle,
neck (informal),
kiss
in the sense of coddle
Definition
to pamper or overprotect
I coddled my youngest son dreadfully.
Synonyms
pamper,
spoil,
indulge,
cosset,
baby,
nurse,
pet,
wet-nurse (informal),
mollycoddle
Synonyms of 'pet'
pet
Explore 'pet' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cosset
Definition
to pamper or pet
Important clients were cosseted and pampered like royalty.
Synonyms
pamper,
baby,
pet,
cosher (Irish),
coddle,
mollycoddle,
wrap up in cotton wool (informal)
in the sense of darling
Definition
a favourite
He was the darling of the family.
Synonyms
favourite,
pet,
spoilt child,
apple of your eye,
blue-eyed boy,
fair-haired boy (US)
in the sense of domestic
Definition
(of an animal) bred or kept as a pet or for the supply of food
a domestic cat
Synonyms
domesticated,
trained,
tame,
house,
pet,
house-trained
in the sense of domesticated
our domesticated animals and plants
Synonyms
tame,
broken (in),
trained,
pet,
tamed,
house-trained (British),
house-broken (US)
in the sense of favoured
The favoured candidate will emerge soon.
Synonyms
preferred,
special,
chosen,
favourite,
selected,
recommended,
pet,
of choice,
singled out,
best-liked,
fave (informal)
in the sense of huff
Definition
a passing mood of anger or resentment
I went into a huff because we lost the game.
Synonyms
sulk,
temper,
bad mood,
passion,
rage,
pet,
wax (informal, British),
pique,
bate (British, slang),
miff (informal),
foulie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of idol
Definition
an object of excessive devotion or admiration
They cheered as they caught sight of their idol.
Synonyms
hero,
superstar,
pin-up,
favourite,
pet,
darling,
beloved (slang),
fave (informal)
in the sense of indulge
Definition
to allow (someone) to have or do everything he or she wants
She did not agree with indulging children.
Synonyms
spoil,
pamper,
cosset,
baby,
favour,
humour,
give in to,
coddle,
spoon-feed,
mollycoddle,
fawn on,
overindulge
in the sense of jewel
Definition
a person or thing regarded as precious or special
Barbados is a perfect jewel of an island.
Synonyms
treasure,
wonder,
prize,
darling,
pearl,
gem,
paragon,
pride and joy,
taonga (New Zealand)
in the sense of kiss
Definition
to join lips with another person as an act of love or desire
She kissed me on the cheek.
Synonyms
peck (informal),
osculate,
snog (British, slang),
neck (informal),
smooch (informal),
canoodle (slang),
x,
buss (archaic)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of mollycoddle
Definition
to give an excessive amount of care and protection to
He accused me of mollycoddling the children.
Synonyms
pamper,
baby,
ruin,
pet,
spoil,
indulge,
cosset,
coddle
in the sense of neck
Definition
(of two people) to kiss each other passionately
They were necking together on the sofa when I came in.
Synonyms
pet (informal),
make out,
snog (British, informal),
kiss and cuddle,
smooch,
canoodle
in the sense of paddy
Definition
a fit of temper
Don't talk to him just now - he's in a real paddy.
Synonyms
temper,
tantrum,
bad mood,
passion,
rage,
pet,
fit of pique,
fit of temper,
wax (informal, British),
tiff,
bate (British, slang),
paddywhack (British, informal),
foulie (Australian, slang),
hissy fit (informal),
strop (informal)
in the sense of pat
Definition
to tap (someone or something) lightly with the hand
She patted me on the knee.
Synonyms
stroke,
touch,
tap,
pet,
slap,
dab,
caress,
fondle
in the sense of personal
Definition
belonging to, or for the sole use of, a particular individual
That's my personal property!
Synonyms
own,
special,
private,
individual,
particular,
peculiar,
privy (archaic)
in the sense of pique
Definition
a feeling of resentment or irritation, such as from hurt pride
In a fit of pique, he threw down his bag.
Synonyms
resentment,
offence,
irritation,
annoyance,
huff,
displeasure,
umbrage,
hurt feelings,
vexation,
wounded pride,
miff (informal)
in the sense of spoil
Definition
to weaken the character of (a child) by giving it all it wants
Grandparents are often tempted to spoil their grandchildren.
Synonyms
overindulge,
indulge,
pamper,
baby,
cocker (rare),
cosset,
coddle,
spoon-feed,
mollycoddle,
kill with kindness
in the sense of stroke
Definition
to touch or brush lightly or gently
She was absentmindedly stroking her cat.
Synonyms
caress,
rub,
fondle,
pat,
pet
in the sense of tantrum
Definition
a childish outburst of bad temper
My son had a tantrum and banged his fist on the ground.