PETTY definition: of little or no importance or consequence. See examples of petty used in a sentence. If you describe someone's behavior as petty, you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind.

Understanding the Context

She created and starred in the short-lived Fox sitcom Lush Life in 1996 and acted in a number of independent movies in her later career. In 2008, Petty wrote and directed independent drama film The Poker House based on her early life during the 1970s. 1. of little or no importance; inconsequential: petty grievances.

Key Insights

2. of lesser importance or merit; minor: petty considerations. 3. having or showing narrow ideas, interests, etc.: petty minds. 4.

Final Thoughts

ungenerous in trifling matters: a petty person. Lori Petty. Actress: Tank Girl. After this feisty, highly offbeat actress from Chattanooga, Tennessee broke into TV in the 1980s, she immediately set herself apart from the norm with a prime role as new owner Bud Cort's female friend in the bizarre mini-movie Bates Motel (1987). petty adjective (SELFISH) selfish and mean, esp. because of having too much interest in small and unimportant matters: 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.]