PETIT definition: small; petty; minor. See examples of petit used in a sentence.

The meaning of PETIT is petty —used chiefly in legal compounds.

Definition of 'petit' petit in American English (ˈpɛti ) adjective Origin: OFr: see petty small or of less importance; petty [now used chiefly in law]

(Law) (prenominal) chiefly law of little or lesser importance; small: petit jury. [C14: from Old French: little, of obscure origin]

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word petit, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Feb 19, 2026 · From Middle French petit, from Old French petit. See Modern English petit, above. Attested from at least the 13th century, with use in names earlier.

petit: Lesser in seriousness or scale.

Petit (pronounced /pəˈtiː/ or /pəˈtɪt/) is an adjective of French origin meaning “small” or “little.” This term can convey various connotations based on context, including size, importance, and degree.

The word ‘petit’ is used to describe something that is small in size, amount, or importance. It often connotes delicacy or cuteness.

Armando Gonçalves Teixeira, commonly known as Petit, is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Boavista F.C. in the Portuguese third division, as a defensive midfielder. He received the moniker …