VocabDictionary

house pets

/ˈhaʊs pɛts/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Domesticated animals kept primarily for companionship, pleasure, or entertainment rather than for utility, labor, or food production, and which reside within a human dwelling.

Example Sentences:
  • Many apartment complexes have strict policies regarding the number and size of house pets allowed.
  • Dogs and cats are the most common house pets in North America.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “house pets”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term is a compound of 'house' (from Old English 'hūs', a dwelling) and 'pet' (of uncertain origin, possibly from the Scottish 'pet', meaning a lamb brought up by hand). The combination emerged in the 19th century to distinguish animals kept for companionship within a domestic residence from livestock or working animals kept outdoors.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'house' as the home and 'pets' as the 'Personal Enjoyment Treasures' that live inside with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About “house pets

1. What is the meaning of “house pets” in English?

In English, house pets (noun) is defined as: “Domesticated animals kept primarily for companionship, pleasure, or entertainment rather than for utility, labor, or food production, and which reside within a human dwelling.”.

2. How do you use “house pets” in a sentence?

Many apartment complexes have strict policies regarding the number and size of house pets allowed.

3. What are English synonyms of “house pets”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “house pets”?

The term is a compound of 'house' (from Old English 'hūs', a dwelling) and 'pet' (of uncertain origin, possibly from the Scottish 'pet', meaning a lamb brought up by hand). The combination emerged in the 19th century to distinguish animals kept for companionship within a domestic residence from livestock or working animals kept outdoors.