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Definition of petting

petting

/ˈpɛt.ɪŋ/
pet · ting
Plural:pettings
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petting Lexical Profile

petting Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act of gently stroking or patting an animal or person with the hand as a sign of affection.

Example

"The shelter dogs eagerly approached the fence, hoping for some gentle petting from the visitors."

2

Amorous or erotic caressing and kissing between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse.

Example

"In mid-twentieth-century advice columns, teenagers were frequently warned about the social risks of heavy petting."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for petting

• Rhymes for petting

• Nearby Words

petticoat
pettily
pettiness
petting
petty
petulance
petulantly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Petting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/petting
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