Library / English Dictionary

PETTING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)

Synonyms:

caressing; cuddling; fondling; hugging; kissing; necking; petting; smooching; snuggling

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("petting" is a kind of...):

arousal; foreplay; stimulation (mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "petting"):

snogging ((British informal) cuddle and kiss)

Derivation:

pet (stroke or caress in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

-ing form of the verb pet

Credits

 Context examples: 

Amy spoke and looked so like a homesick child whose heart was full that Laurie forgot his bashfulness all at once, and gave her just what she wanted—the petting she was used to and the cheerful conversation she needed.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

He rather missed the 'petting' he used to receive, and enjoyed a taste of it again, for no attentions, however flattering, from strangers, were half so pleasant as the sisterly adoration of the girls at home.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)