noun · verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/ˈpɛtɪŋ/
[ˈphɛɾɪŋ]
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɛtɪŋ
CMU ARPABET:P EH1 T IH0 NG
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The act of stroking or gently patting an animal.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The act of kissing, stroking, etc., a person in a sexual manner.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: lifestyle, sex, sexuality
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The act of indulging or treating as a favourite.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
verb
Meaning 4
present participle and gerund of pet
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present
Examples
I am petting my rabbit.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
