petulance

[ pech-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being petulant.
2. a petulant speech or action.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petulance¹

First recorded in 1600–10, petulance is from the Latin word petulantia impudence. See petulant, -ance

Example Sentences

Despite the advanced age of the candidate, the Trump campaign was characterized by petulance and immaturity, adopting the countenance of a spoiled rich kid sneering at his mom for telling him to do his homework.

From Salon

Sexist petulance is so childish and self-centered that it's easy to laugh at, but as Carroll's experience shows, that level of male entitlement can get dangerous quickly.

From Salon

Instead, like his much-criticized colleague Thomas, he has responded with petulance.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was his clashing with Judge Juan Merchan that drew the most attention, a display of petulance that one expert said would not "play well" with jurors.

From Salon

The question, according to Rebecca Roiphe, a law professor at New York University, is whether Costello’s in-court petulance will be remembered when jurors begin to deliberate as soon as next week.

From Salon