petting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal (for the romantic/sexual sense). Neutral (for animal stroking).
Quick answer
What does “petting” mean?
The act of gently touching or stroking an animal or person with affection, typically with the hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of gently touching or stroking an animal or person with affection, typically with the hand.
Informal term for sexual activity, especially among teenagers, that involves kissing and touching but not full intercourse. Can also refer to the act of stroking or fondling more generally, including in contexts of grooming animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings exist in both varieties. The informal romantic/sexual sense is slightly more established and recognized in American English, often appearing in phrases like 'heavy petting.' In UK English, the neutral 'stroking an animal' sense is often the first interpretation.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation for the neutral sense is affection and gentleness. For the informal sense, the connotation is of youthful or furtive sexual exploration.
Frequency
The neutral sense is common. The informal romantic/sexual sense is less frequent in formal or polite conversation but well-established in informal registers and popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “petting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + petting + [Object (animal/person)][Subject] + was/were + caught + petting[Subject] + enjoy(s) + pettingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “petting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was quietly petting his neighbour's Labrador.
- They were reprimanded for petting in the cinema.
American English
- She's petting the dog while she reads.
- Back in high school, they spent hours petting in his car.
adverb
British English
- (This form is exceptionally rare. Use 'in a petting manner' or rephrase.)
American English
- (This form is exceptionally rare. Use 'in a petting manner' or rephrase.)
adjective
British English
- The children visited the petting farm.
- Avoid the petting area if you have allergies.
American English
- The county fair has a great petting zoo.
- The 'no petting' rule for the exhibit is strictly enforced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; may appear in biological/ethological studies of animal behavior (e.g., 'The effect of human petting on cortisol levels in domestic cats.').
Everyday
Common in the context of interacting with pets. The informal romantic sense is used conversationally among peers.
Technical
Primarily in veterinary or animal husbandry contexts describing human-animal interaction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “petting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “petting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “petting”
- Using 'petting' to mean 'owning a pet' (e.g., 'I have two pettings' is incorrect).
- Assuming it always has a romantic/sexual connotation in all contexts.
- Misspelling as 'pating' or 'patting' (though 'patting' is a related but distinct action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most common and neutral use is for stroking animals, it is also a well-known informal term for intimate touching between people.
'Patting' is a light, often rhythmic tap with an open hand (e.g., patting someone on the back). 'Petting' involves longer, gentler strokes, usually to show affection.
Yes, a petting zoo is specifically designed for children to safely touch and interact with gentle, farm-type animals under supervision. It has no romantic connotations.
It depends. In a report on animal welfare or human-animal interaction, it is acceptable. The informal romantic sense is inappropriate for formal writing, where more precise terms should be used.
The act of gently touching or stroking an animal or person with affection, typically with the hand.
Petting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛt̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Heavy petting”
- “A petting zoo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PET you are patTING. The 'TING' sounds like the gentle bell a cat might wear, reminding you of gentle touch.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY / GENTLE TOUCH; SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS A SPORT OR GAME ('heavy' petting implies levels of intensity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'petting' MOST likely to have a romantic or sexual connotation?