pet
pet Lexical Profile
pet Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Kept as a domestic companion rather than as a working animal or livestock.
"They brought their pet rabbit to the school's annual show-and-tell event."
Particularly cherished, favored, or indulged above others; also denoting something that provokes particular personal irritation (as in 'pet peeve').
"Redesigning the community garden has been the mayor's pet project for the past two years."
• noun
A domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure rather than for utility or food.
"The apartment building recently updated its lease policy to allow tenants to keep small pets."
A person who is treated with unusual favor, indulgence, or affection, or a term of endearment for a loved one.
"Because he always volunteered to clean the chalkboard, the other students teased him for being the teacher's pet."
A fit of sulking, peevishness, or slight offense taken at a perceived slight.
"He walked out of the room in a childish pet when his suggestion was overlooked."
• verb
To stroke or pat an animal (or person) gently and affectionately with the hand.
"She knelt down on the porch to pet the friendly golden retriever."
To treat someone with excessive indulgence, pampering, or affectionate care.
"The youngest grandchild was thoroughly petted and spoiled by the entire family during the holidays."
• Rhymes for pet
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 16th century in Scottish and northern English dialects (originally referring to a hand-reared lamb), probably of Gaelic origin, comparable to Scottish Gaelic 'peata' (tame animal).