Definition of "petting" [petting]

• Informal The act or practice of amorously embracing, kissing, and caressing one's partner. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "“The rabbit’s getting pretty old, ” I persisted, having read the safety briefing in the “How Best to Enjoy Your Rabbit Experience” leaflet, “and petting is no longer mandatory."
• "Meanwhile, I walk over and pick up this imaginary blue squirrel and begin petting it as I tell her you almost stepped on my squirrel!"
• ""She had a nice life," I offered, once again petting another's pride."