pet

¹

[ pet ]

noun

1. any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.
2. a person especially cherished or indulged; favorite:

   He was the teacher's pet.

3. a thing particularly cherished.

adjective

1. kept or treated as a pet:

   a pet lamb.

2. especially cherished or indulged, as a child or other person.
3. favorite; most preferred:

   a pet theory.

4. showing fondness or affection:

   to address someone with pet words.

verb (used with object)

, pet·ted, pet·ting.

1. to fondle or caress:

   to pet a dog.

2. to treat as a pet; indulge.

   Synonyms: favor, pamper, humor, baby

verb (used without object)

, pet·ted, pet·ting.

1. Informal. to engage in kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity with one’s partner, but not sexual intercourse.

pet

²

[ pet ]

noun

1. a fit of peevishness, sulking, or bad mood.

verb (used without object)

1. to be peevish; sulk.

PET

³

[ pet ]

noun

, Computers, Medicine/Medical.

1. positron emission tomography ( def ).

pet.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. petroleum.

Pet.

⁵

abbreviation for

1. Peter.

pet

¹

/ 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

1. kept as a pet

   a pet dog

2. of or for pet animals

   pet food

3. particularly cherished; favourite

   a pet hatred

   a pet theory

4. familiar or affectionate

   a pet name

5. pet day
   a single fine day during a period of bad weather

verb

1. tr to treat (a person, animal, etc) as a pet; pamper
2. tr to pat or fondle (an animal, child, etc)
3. informal.
   intr (of two people) to caress each other in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking (often in the phrase heavy petting )

Pet.

²

abbreviation for

1. Peter

pet

³

/ pɛt /

noun

1. a fit of sulkiness, esp at what is felt to be a slight; pique

verb

1. intr to take offence; sulk

PET

⁴

abbreviation for

1. positron emission tomography

acronym for

1. 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

Derived Forms

• ˈpetter, noun

Other Words From

• petta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pet¹

First recorded in 1500–10; perhaps back formation from pet lamb. shortened variant of petty lamb “little lamb”; petty

Origin of pet²

First recorded in 1590–1600; origin uncertain; pettish

Origin of pet³

First recorded in 1975–80

Word History and Origins

Origin of pet¹

C16: origin unknown

Origin of pet²

C16: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with pet , also see teacher's pet .

Example Sentences

In conversations with Salon, many expressed hope that Trump might take up their own pet issue, like dismantling the administrative state, ending diversity initiatives or directing public funds to religious schools.

From Salon

When I wake up, the first thing I do is pet my dogs.

From Los Angeles Times

A positive blood biomarker test could also lead to significant mental and financial damage, with unnecessary and expensive procedures like an MRI, a PET scan or a spinal fluid test.

From Los Angeles Times

Two weeks after launching their tea set, Pet Shop Boys will receive the inaugural "pop pioneers" award at the EMAs.

From BBC

Police said an emergency dispatcher received a call shortly before 7 a.m. about a man trying to start a fire in the parking lot of the Banfield Pet Hospital at 5380 Ralston St.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caress
• coddle
• cuddle
• fondle
• pamper