Petting: meaning, definitions and examples

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petting

 

[ ˈpɛtɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

animal care

The act of stroking or caressing an animal, typically a domestic pet, as a form of affection or to show care and attention.

Synonyms

caressing, gentle touch, stroking

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys the petting of her cat while watching TV.
  • The dog wagged its tail happily during the petting session.
Context #2 | Noun

affection

Expressing fondness or love through physical touch, often in a gentle and nurturing manner.

Synonyms

caressing, cuddling, snuggling

Examples of usage

  • The mother showed her baby affection through petting and cuddling.
  • His petting of her hair reassured her during the difficult times.
Context #3 | Verb

animal care

To stroke or caress an animal, typically a domestic pet, as a way of showing affection or care.

Synonyms

caressing, gentle touch, stroking

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys petting her dog after a long day at work.
  • The children spent hours petting the rabbits at the petting zoo.

Translations

Translations of the word "petting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acariciar

🇮🇳 प्यार करना

🇩🇪 streicheln

🇮🇩 membelai

🇺🇦 пестити

🇵🇱 głaskanie

🇯🇵 なでる

🇫🇷 caresser

🇪🇸 acariciar

🇹🇷 okşamak

🇰🇷 쓰다듬다

🇸🇦 ملاطفة

🇨🇿 hladit

🇸🇰 hladkať

🇨🇳 抚摸

🇸🇮 božanje

🇮🇸 klappa

🇰🇿 сипалау

🇬🇪 მოფერება

🇦🇿 sığallamaq

🇲🇽 acariciar

Etymology

The word 'petting' originated from the Middle English word 'peten', meaning 'to stroke or caress'. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to the act of showing affection or care through gentle touch, especially towards animals. Over time, 'petting' has become a common term in the context of animal care and expressing affection towards loved ones.

See also: pet, petite, pets, petty, petulant.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,218, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.