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: “Parents handed a petition to the council asking for a safer path to the park.”
noun
1
A formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to act on something.
"Parents handed a petition to the council asking for a safer path to the park."
"Residents signed a petition demanding a new crossing outside the school."
"The online petition gathered over 50,000 signatures in a week."
2
A formal application to a court asking for a specific legal order, such as a divorce.
"His lawyer prepared a petition asking the court to change the custody order."
"The company lodged a petition with the court to have the contract cancelled."
"She filed a petition for divorce after months of separation."
verb
1
To formally ask an authority or court to do something.
"Local farmers petitioned the government to protect the river from pollution."
"She petitioned the court to change her name after the wedding."
"The workers petitioned management for better safety equipment."
How to use petition
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- petitions
- Third person singular
- petitions
- Past tense
- petitioned
Fill the gap
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Parents handed a _____ to the council asking for a safer path to the park.
Etymology
From Old French peticiun, from Latin petitio, "a request," from petere, "to seek or ask for."
Related words
Rhymes for petition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for petition →
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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