pet peeve

noun

Synonyms of pet peeve
: a frequent subject of complaint

Examples of pet peeve in a Sentence

One of my biggest pet peeves is people driving too slowly on the highway.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The last part of the episode was a lighter rapid-fire Q and A about Vrabel’s pet peeves. — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 One of my biggest pet peeves is when flats dig into the back of my ankles, but these flexible slip-ons fit, well, like a glove, never feeling tight or constricting. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 However, one of my biggest pet peeves is when children use baby talk. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 Be transparent about your preferences, pet peeves and working style. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pet peeve

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pet peeve was in 1917

Rhymes for pet peeve

See All Rhymes for pet peeve

Browse Nearby Words

Petőfi
pet peeve
petr-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pet peeve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pet%20peeve. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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