pet
peht
Pet (noun) means an animal kept at home for companionship rather than work or food. Example: “They adopted a rescue dog as a family pet.”
noun
1
An animal kept at home for companionship rather than work or food.
"They adopted a rescue dog as a family pet."
"Goldfish are often a child's first pet."
"Our neighbour's rabbit is the most spoiled pet on the street."
adjective
1
Favorite or especially cherished, often used for a personal cause or gripe.
"Punctuality is one of her pet issues at work."
"Good cycle lanes are his pet cause, and he writes to the council about them."
"Untidy kitchens are my pet hate, so I always clear up straight away."
verb
1
To stroke or gently touch an animal affectionately.
"The child petted the cat until it fell asleep."
"Visitors at the farm may pet the lambs, but they must wash their hands afterwards."
"He likes to pet his dog gently behind the ears."
How to use pet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn animal kept for companionship, or (as an adjective) someone's favorite thing/topic.
Common pairings
pet peeve
pet project
family pet
pet the dog
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Word forms
- Plural
- pets
- Third person singular
- pets
- Past tense
- petted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They adopted a rescue dog as a family _____.
Etymology
From Scots pet ("a tamed animal, or a spoiled darling"), probably from Scottish Gaelic peata.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “pet” mean?
The word “pet” means an animal kept at home for companionship rather than work or food. In plain terms, an animal kept for companionship, or (as an adjective) someone's favorite thing/topic.
How do you pronounce “pet”?
“Pet” is pronounced peht (/pɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pet” in a sentence?
Here is “pet” used in a sentence: “They adopted a rescue dog as a family pet.”
What is another word for “pet”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pet” include companion animal, grope, touch up, cosset, feel up and coddle.
What part of speech is “pet”?
Depending on how it is used, “pet” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “pet” come from?
The word “pet” comes from Scottish Gaelic. From Scots pet ("a tamed animal, or a spoiled darling"), probably from Scottish Gaelic peata.
Is “pet” a common word?
“Pet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pet” have?
“Pet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an animal kept at home for companionship rather than work or food.
What is the difference between a pet and livestock?
A pet is an animal kept mainly for companionship and enjoyment, such as a dog or cat. Livestock are animals raised for work or food, like cattle, sheep, or chickens. The same species can be either — a rabbit may be a beloved pet in one home and farm livestock in another.
What are the most common pets?
Dogs and cats are by far the most popular pets worldwide, valued for companionship and affection. Other common choices include fish, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, along with pet birds such as budgerigars. Reptiles like tortoises and lizards are kept too, though they suit more specialised owners.
What makes an animal a pet rather than a working animal?
The defining factor is purpose. A pet is kept for companionship and pleasure, living alongside people as part of the household. A working animal earns its keep through a task — herding, guarding, pulling loads, or hunting. The same dog could be a family pet or a working sheepdog depending on its role.
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