VocabDictionary

pets

/pษ›ts/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Domesticated or tamed animals kept for companionship or pleasure rather than utility.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œMany households in the neighborhood have pets like dogs and cats.โ€
  • โ€œThe apartment complex has a strict rule regarding the keeping of pets.โ€
2.verb

To stroke or pat an animal affectionately with the hand.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œShe bent down to pet the friendly golden retriever.โ€
  • โ€œThe cat purred contentedly while being petted.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œpetsโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Plural of 'pet', which originated in the 16th century (originally meaning a spoiled child, later an animal kept for pleasure). Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be related to the Scottish Gaelic 'pet' (a tame animal) or the Old French 'petit' (small).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of PEThaps you want to gently stroke and cuddle a furry animalโ€”that's a pet!

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œpetsโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œpetsโ€ in English?

In English, pets (noun) is defined as: โ€œDomesticated or tamed animals kept for companionship or pleasure rather than utility.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œpetsโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œMany households in the neighborhood have pets like dogs and cats.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œpetsโ€?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œpetsโ€?

Plural of 'pet', which originated in the 16th century (originally meaning a spoiled child, later an animal kept for pleasure). Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be related to the Scottish Gaelic 'pet' (a tame animal) or the Old French 'petit' (small).