PET

(ANIMAL) [noun] [C] - an animal which is kept in the home as a companion and treated affectionatelyThey have several pets - a dog, two rabbits and a guinea pig.As a little girl, she always wanted to have a parrot as a pet.We've run out of pet food - could you go and get some?He owns a pet shop (= a shop where animals are sold).(disapproving) If you are the pet of a person in authority, they like you very much and treat you better than other people.The other children hated her because she was the teacher's pet.(informal approving) If you describe someone as a pet, you mean that they are a kind person who is easy to like.He's always sending me flowers - he's a real pet!Would you be a pet and make me a coffee?(UK and ANZ informal) Pet is also an affectionate way of addressing someone, esp. a woman or a child."Would you like a cup of tea?" "That's very kind of you, pet."A pet theory/subject/hate is one that is special and important to you.I just stop listening when he starts talking about his pet theories.Football is one of her pet hates.A pet name is an informal, affectionate name given to someone by their family or friends.Her pet name was 'Baby' when she was a child, because she was the baby of the family.