endearment

noun

en·​dear·​ment in-ˈdir-mənt 

1

: a word or an act (such as a caress) expressing affection

2

: the act or process of endearing

Examples of endearment in a Sentence

two lovers whispering endearments to each other

Recent Examples on the Web

That Bournemouth are winless after four games of their Premier League season, with three points from the 12 available, is momentarily lost in a moment of mutual endearment — the city and the Brazilian striker have embraced each other. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Turns out, this is a term of endearment, not an insult. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Erinn referenced the same term of endearment in her Instagram post, which featured 20 photos of the couple throughout their relationship. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

This Levantine subculture socialized in French, voiced endearments in Arabic, communicated with functionaries in Turkish. — Joseph O’Neill, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for endearment

• spearmint

Kids Definition

endearment

noun

en·​dear·​ment in-ˈdi(ə)r-mənt 

: a word or an act (as a caress) showing love or affection