pet

An animal you keep at home for company and enjoyment.

• We have two pets.
• She feeds her pet every morning.
• Would a rabbit make a good pet?

Similar words: companion animal

Common phrases: family pet, keep a pet, pet food, pet owner

Someone who is especially loyal to a teacher or boss and gets better treatment than others.

• He is the teacher's pet.
• The boss's pet always gets the best jobs.
• Her classmates called her a pet because she always agreed with the teacher.

Similar words: favourite

Common phrases: teacher's pet, boss's pet

A thing, such as a stone or plant, that someone keeps and cares for like a companion.

• Her only pet is a rock.
• He waters his plant and calls it his pet.
• The children gave their stone pets names.

Common phrases: a rock pet, a plant pet, unusual pet

Kept and cared for as a companion, rather than used for work.

• This is my pet rabbit.
• Their pet dog sleeps beside the bed.
• She even has a pet rock with a name.

Common phrases: pet dog, pet rabbit, pet rock

Especially important or interesting to someone, who gives it a lot of attention.

• The garden is her pet project.
• He explained his pet theory about dreams.
• They spent hours discussing their pet subjects.

Similar words: favourite, cherished

Common phrases: pet project, pet theory, pet subject

To move your hand gently over an animal’s body to show affection.

• Can I pet your dog?
• She petted the cat gently.
• The puppy fell asleep while we were petting it.

Similar words: stroke, pat

Common phrases: pet a dog, pet the cat, pet something gently