Pronunciation: /ˈpɛtɪŋ/

Definitions of petting

noun the action of stroking or caressing an animal

Example Sentences

A1 I like petting my cat.

A2 She enjoys petting the dog at the park.

B1 Petting animals can be a calming experience.

B2 The therapy dog visited the hospital for petting sessions.

C1 The act of petting can release oxytocin, promoting relaxation.

C2 She found solace in the gentle petting of her horse after a long day.

verb to stroke or caress an animal

Example Sentences

A1 I enjoy petting my cat every evening.

A2 She was petting the dog gently while sitting on the porch.

B1 The children spent the afternoon petting the rabbits at the petting zoo.

B2 The therapy dog loves when the patients pet him during their sessions.

C1 The horse rider demonstrated proper petting techniques to the new students.

C2 The wildlife photographer captured a beautiful moment of a mother lion petting her cubs.

Examples of petting in a Sentence

formal The act of petting a dog can help to strengthen the bond between the owner and the pet.

informal I love petting my cat while watching TV in the evenings.

slang She was caught petting her boyfriend in the back of the movie theater.

figurative The soft music was like gently petting my soul, soothing and calming.

Grammatical Forms of petting

past tense

petted

plural

pettings

comparative

more petting

superlative

most petting

present tense

pet

future tense

will pet

perfect tense

have petted

continuous tense

is petting

singular

petting

positive degree

pet

infinitive

to pet

gerund

petting

participle

petting

Origin and Evolution of petting

First Known Use: 0015 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'petting' is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'peten' which meant to stroke or caress affectionately.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'petting' has come to be associated with showing affection towards animals or loved ones through gentle touching or caressing.