WordGarden.iopetter
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɛtə/
US
- /ˈpɛtər/
Meanings
Proper-noun
a Scandinavian masculine given name or surname
Noun
a person who pets or strokes someone or something affectionately
Beyond the definition
A "petter" is a person who likes to pet animals. It usually means someone who often strokes dogs, cats, or other animals in a gentle, friendly way. Think of the person at the park who stops to stroke every calm dog they see, or someone who sits with a cat and softly runs a hand over its fur. The word is simple and informal, and it points more to the action than to any special title.
In most cases, the meaning is warm and harmless. It is not a very common everyday word, but when people use it, they usually mean someone who enjoys showing affection to animals by touching them gently.
The word "petter" usually means a person who pets animals, especially someone who likes to do it often. It comes from the verb "pet," so the meaning is fairly direct: a petter is someone who strokes or pats an animal in a gentle, affectionate way. You might picture a person kneeling to rub a dog's head, smiling while a cat curls into their hand, or happily spending time with any calm animal that will let them come close.
The word does not mean the same thing as "pet owner." A person can own a dog and never be called a petter, while someone else may be called a petter simply because they love stroking and comforting animals whenever they get the chance. The focus is on the act itself and the kind, soft manner that comes with it.
This is an informal and somewhat uncommon word, but its meaning is easy to understand. Most of the time it has a positive feeling and suggests warmth, gentleness, and affection toward animals. In plain use, if someone is always reaching down to stroke a friendly dog or softly pat a cat, calling them a "petter" would make sense.
Examples
- 1
Animal comfort
The nervous cat relaxed when she found a quiet petter in the corner.
- 2
Dream job
He joked that his dream job was full-time dog petter at the animal shelter.
- 3
Dated phrase
The old article called him a "heavy petter," a phrase that sounds dated now.
- Cautionheavy petter
a dated phrase for someone who kisses and touches someone sexually
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- petternoun