PETTY definition: of little or no importance or consequence. See examples of petty used in a sentence.
You can use petty to describe things such as problems, rules, or arguments that you think are unimportant or relate to unimportant things.
PETTY definition: 1. not important and not worth giving attention to: 2. involving crimes that are considered less…. Learn more.
- trivial; trifling; inessential: petty details. 2. of a narrow-minded, mean, or small-natured disposition or character: petty spite. 3. minor or subordinate in rank: petty officialdom. 4. (Law) law of lesser importance.
Definition of petty adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Adjective petty (comparative pettier or more petty, superlative pettiest or most petty) (often derogatory) Having little or no importance. [from 16th c.]
There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the word petty, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
petty, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary