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
Examples of petty in a Sentence
a petty argument about grammar
My behavior was petty and stupid. I apologize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Which party is willing to set aside petty differences and ego, and work in the interests of American prosperity?
—
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
This Christlike journey of scapegoating and torment ends in comeuppance for the haters and doubters, whose petty provocations tend to evoke a Bond villain in adolescence.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
The Gilded Age chronicles the deliciously petty in-fighting between ascendant and established members of New York City's upper class in the late 19th century.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 June 2025
Your petty exploits paid off—modestly but steadily.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
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Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
This Christlike journey of scapegoating and torment ends in comeuppance for the haters and doubters, whose petty provocations tend to evoke a Bond villain in adolescence.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
The Gilded Age chronicles the deliciously petty in-fighting between ascendant and established members of New York City's upper class in the late 19th century.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 June 2025
Your petty exploits paid off—modestly but steadily.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for petty
Cite this Entry
“Petty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Etymology
Middle English pety "small, minor," an altered form of petit (same meaning), from early French petit "small"
Legal Definition
Biographical Definition
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