Search Dictionary
Definition of petty

petty

/ˈpɛti/
pet · ty
Adverb:pettily
JUMP TO:

petty Lexical Profile

petty Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of little importance, scale, or seriousness; trivial or minor.

Example

"The committee wasted two hours debating petty procedural details instead of addressing the core budget."

2

Unduly concerned with trivial matters, especially in a small-minded, spiteful, or ungenerous way.

Example

"Holding a grudge over an accidental slight is both petty and counterproductive."

3

Of secondary or subordinate rank, status, or authority.

Example

"The local magistrate relied on several petty officials to collect taxes across the province."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for petty
Antonyms
View all antonyms for petty

• Rhymes for petty

• Nearby Words

pettily
pettiness
petting
petty
petulance
petulantly
petunia

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French 'pety' (Old French 'petit'), meaning 'small' or 'minor', which is a doublet of the later English borrowing 'petite'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Petty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/petty
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.