noun Common

petition

puh-TIHSH-uhn

Petition (noun) means a formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something. Example: “Residents signed a petition demanding a new crossing outside the school.”

noun

A formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something.

"Residents signed a petition demanding a new crossing outside the school."

"The online petition gathered over 50,000 signatures in a week."

A formal application to a court asking for a specific legal order, such as a divorce.

"She filed a petition for divorce after months of separation."

verb

To formally ask an authority or court to do something.

"The workers petitioned management for better safety equipment."

How to Use Petition

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal request — either a document people sign to demand change, or a legal filing asking a court for something.

Common pairings

sign a petition file a petition petition for divorce petition the court

Word Forms

petitioned past tense, petitions plural, petitions singular

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Residents signed a _____ demanding a new crossing outside the school.

Etymology

From Old French peticiun, from Latin petitio, "a request," from petere, "to seek or ask for."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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appeal request plea application entreaty suit

Related Words

please ask program effort software application apply boss

Rhymes for petition

ion lion Zion Dion Sion union scion Orion Onion action minion bunion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “petition” mean?

The word “petition” means a formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something. In plain terms, a formal request — either a document people sign to demand change, or a legal filing asking a court for something.

How do you pronounce “petition”?

“Petition” is pronounced puh-TIHSH-uhn (/pəˈtɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “petition” in a sentence?

Here is “petition” used in a sentence: “Residents signed a petition demanding a new crossing outside the school.”

What part of speech is “petition”?

Depending on how it is used, “petition” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “petition” come from?

The word “petition” comes from Latin. From Old French peticiun, from Latin petitio, "a request," from petere, "to seek or ask for.".

Is “petition” a common word?

“Petition” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “petition” have?

“Petition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something.

What is the difference between a petition and a plea?

A petition is a formal, usually written request asking an authority or court to take a specific action, often signed by many people. A plea is generally a more urgent or emotional appeal, and in law it also means a defendant's formal response to a charge.

What is the difference between a petition and a protest?

A petition is a formal written request that works through official channels and signatures, whereas a protest is a public demonstration of disapproval that may involve marching or speaking out. A petition asks those in power to act; a protest expresses objection more directly and visibly.

What preposition follows 'petition'?

You commonly petition 'for' something you want ('petition for release') and 'against' something you oppose. When naming who is being asked, the verb often takes a direct object, as in 'they petitioned the council for funding.'

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