Pet Definition

pĕt

pets, petted, petting

noun

pets

An animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness.

Webster's New World

An object of the affections.

American Heritage

A person who is treated with particular affection or indulgence; favorite.

Webster's New World

A state of sulky peevishness or ill humor.

Webster's New World

A fit of bad temper or pique.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

adjective

Kept or treated as a pet.

A pet duck.

Webster's New World

Particularly cherished or indulged.

A pet grandchild.

American Heritage

Especially liked; favorite.

Webster's New World

Greatest; especial; particular.

One's pet peeve.

Webster's New World

Showing fondness or affection.

A pet name.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
preferent
best-loved
preferred
favorite
favored
favourite
fair-haired
darling

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
hated
disfavored

verb

pets, petted, petting

To stroke or caress gently.

American Heritage

To kiss, embrace, fondle, etc., passionately in mutual sexual stimulation.

Webster's New World

To be sulky and peevish.

American Heritage

To stroke or pat (now, esp., an animal) affectionately.

Webster's New World

To be indulgent toward; pamper.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

abbreviation

Positron emission tomography.

American Heritage

Polyethylene terephthalate.

Webster's New World

Peter.

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Pet

Noun

Singular:

pet

Plural:

pets

Origin of Pet

Originally from Northern English and Scots dialects, origin is unsure but may have arisen due to influence of petty pertaining to children and later companion animals. Almost certainly of Germanic etymology.

From Wiktionary
Scottish Gaelic peata tame animal, pet from Old Irish

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Abbreviation of petition.

From Wiktionary
Diminutive of petal.

From Wiktionary
Origin unknown

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Origin unknown.

From Wiktionary