- pet
- pet1 [pet] n[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Perhaps from petty 'small']1.)an animal such as a cat or a dog which you keep and care for at home▪ Rabbits can make very good pets.pet dog/cat/bird etc▪ He was bitten by his pet dog.▪ pet food▪ a pet shop2.) BrE spoken used when speaking to someone you like or love▪ Don't cry, pet.pet 2pet2 past tense and past participle petted present participle pettingv [T]to touch and move your hand gently over someone, especially an animal or a child→↑stroke▪ Our cat loves being petted.→↑pettingpet 3pet3 adj1.) pet project/theory/subjecta plan, idea, or subject that you particularly like or are interested in2.) pet hateBrE pet peeve AmEsomething that you strongly dislike because it always annoys you▪ TV game shows are one of my pet hates.→↑pet name
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.