The meaning of PETTY is having secondary rank or importance : minor, subordinate. How to use petty in a sentence.

petty adjective (SELFISH) selfish and mean, esp. because of having too much interest in small and unimportant matters:

1. of little or no importance; inconsequential: petty grievances. 2. of lesser importance or merit; minor: petty considerations. 3. having or showing narrow ideas, interests, etc.: petty minds. 4. …

Definition of petty adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you describe someone's behaviour as petty, you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind.

Oct 8, 2025 · The adjective is derived from Middle English peti, pety (“little, small; minor”) [and other forms], [1] from Anglo-Norman petit, Middle French petit, and Old French peti, petit, pitet …

Petty, paltry, trifling, trivial apply to something that is so insignificant as to be almost unworthy of notice. Petty implies contemptible insignificance and littleness, inferiority and small worth: petty …

Discover the meaning of 'petty', explore its usage in everyday language, popular idioms, and fun facts that make this word fascinating. Perfect for learners and curious minds!

Synonyms for PETTY: small, parochial, narrow, little, provincial, insular, sectarian, narrow-minded; Antonyms of PETTY: liberal, tolerant, open, cosmopolitan, receptive, catholic, …

petty adjective (UNIMPORTANT) Add to word list unimportant or not serious: petty details