petty

adjective

pet·​ty ˈpe-tē 

pettier; pettiest

1

: having secondary rank or importance : minor, subordinate

2

: having little or no importance or significance

3

: marked by or reflective of narrow interests and sympathies : small-minded

pettily

ˈpe-tə-lē 

adverb

pettiness

ˈpe-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• illiberal
• insular
• Lilliputian
• little
• narrow
• narrow-minded
• parochial
• picayune
• provincial
• sectarian
• small
• small-minded

Examples of petty in a Sentence

a petty argument about grammar

My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.

Recent Examples on the Web

The risk for the United States is high: The next few years could easily see American politics descend into cruel, petty vengefulness, or worse. —Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025

Shoplifters and petty thieves can also be put on probation for up to two years instead of one, and individuals under 25 can be referred to rehab programs. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 2 Jan. 2025

Spies have to deal with petty office politics like everyone else! —Nina Metz, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024

The fight in the restroom required a deft hand for how petty, casual frustrations can turn deadly. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pety small, minor, alteration of petit

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

petty

adjective

pet·​ty ˈpet-ē 

pettier; pettiest

1

: lesser in rank or importance : minor

a petty prince

2

: having little or no importance or meaning

petty details

3

: having or displaying a mean narrow-minded attitude : small-minded

pettily

ˈpet-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

pettiness

ˈpet-ē-nəs 

noun

Etymology

Middle English pety "small, minor," an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit "small"

Legal Definition

petty

adjective

pet·​ty ˈpe-tē 

: relatively minor in degree

a petty offense punishable by not more than six months in prison

compare grand

Biographical Definition

Petty

biographical name

Pet·​ty ˈpe-tē 

Sir William 1623–1687 English political economist