Synonyms
Examples of petty in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English pety small, minor, alteration of petit
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing petty
- chief petty officer
- master chief petty officer
- master chief petty officer of the coast guard
- master chief petty officer of the navy
- petty bourgeois
- petty bourgeoisie
- petty cash
- petty larceny
- petty officer
- petty officer first class
- petty officer second class
- petty officer third class
- petty theft
- senior chief petty officer
Dictionary Entries Near petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
petty
adjectiveMiddle English pety "small, minor," an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit "small"
Legal Definition
Biographical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on petty
Nglish: Translation of petty for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of petty for Arabic Speakers
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