petting

[ pet-ing ]

noun

1. the act of fondling or caressing:

   Petting or massage may help calm a stressed or hyperactive dog.

2. Informal. kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse. Compare heavy petting.
3. the present participle of pet ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petting¹

First recorded in 1870–75; pet ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The play park and petting zoo are empty.

From BBC

And of the 30% who disapproved of resuming pony rides, nearly two-thirds supported less involved animal experiences — like animal petting or simply viewing opportunities — in the space.

From Los Angeles Times

Every chance she got, she took her son to petting zoos, to pop-up museums and on planned trips, like one to a Florida beach.

From Salon

One time he took Scout to a dog park, where he was videotaped petting another dog.

From Salon

The other photo is from October 2022 and shows Walz petting a different dog at a dog park.

From Salon

Related Words

• extravagance
• kindness
• leniency
• permissiveness
• privilege