Petting: meaning, definitions and examples

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petting

[ˈpɛtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
petting	Interacting gently and lovingly with an animal, especially a pet, often to show affection or to calm it. She enjoys petting her cat while watching TV
stroking	Repeatedly moving the hand or fingers over someone or something, usually in a calming or affectionate manner. He spent the afternoon stroking the dog’s fur
caressing	Gently touching someone in a loving or sexual way. Often used to describe intimate situations. He started caressing her face tenderly
gentle touch	Touching someone or something softly and carefully, often to show care or to provide comfort A gentle touch on the baby's back helped soothe her to sleep

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
petting	Usually used when interacting gently with animals or in a relaxed, affectionate way with a person. It's often associated with a calming action and is commonly used for describing the way people show affection to their pets. She spent the afternoon petting her cat The dog enjoyed being petted by his owner
caressing	This word is used to describe a gentle and loving touch, often between romantic partners. It's more intimate and soft than 'petting'. He caressed her face softly before kissing her The mother caressed her baby's cheek to comfort them
cuddling	Refers to holding someone close in one's arms, often to show love or for comfort. It's usually mutual and implies a sense of warmth and affection. They were cuddling on the couch while watching a movie The child asked to cuddle with their parent before bedtime
snuggling	Similar to cuddling, this involves nestling close to another person or object for warmth and comfort. Often associated with a more cozy and intimate setting. She snuggled under the blanket on a cold day The puppy snuggled up to its owner for warmth

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
petting	Typically used when showing affection to animals or in a romantic context. It implies a repetitive, light touch. She was petting the cat softly behind its ears. They were sitting on the couch, petting each other’s hands.
stroking	Often used interchangeably with petting, but can also be used in a broader sense. It involves longer, continuous movements. She was stroking the dog’s fur in long, soothing motions. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he pondered the question.
caressing	Used in more intimate or romantic situations, suggesting a loving, tender touch. He caressed her cheek gently, looking into her eyes. The mother caressed her baby’s head to comfort him.
gentle touch	A general phrase that applies to any situation where a delicate and careful touch is needed. The nurse used a gentle touch when bandaging the wound. He gave the fragile vase a gentle touch, ensuring it wouldn’t fall.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'petting' comes from the Middle English word 'petten,' meaning to stroke or caress.
The term started being used in the 19th century, originally referring to people lavishing affection on their pets.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, petting animals is not just a soothing activity; it signifies bonding and trust between species.
Petting zoos allow children and adults to interact closely with animals, promoting understanding and compassion for wildlife.

Psychology

Studies show that petting animals can reduce stress and anxiety, releasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding.
The act of petting has been linked to lowering blood pressure and improving overall mood.

Veterinary Science

Veterinarians encourage petting as a form of positive reinforcement during examinations, helping animals feel calmer.
Proper petting techniques can enhance the bond between pet owners and their animals, improving both behavior and health.

Media & Pop Culture

Petting animals is a common theme in children's books and movies, highlighting friendship and kindness.
Popular online communities, like those focused on cute animals, often feature videos of petting moments that go viral.

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

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.

...
26215 amortize
26216 toppling
26217 intoned
26218 petting
26219 rasping
26220 exultant
26221 handmaid
...