adorable

adjective

ador·​able ə-ˈdȯr-ə-bəl How to pronounce adorable (audio)
Synonyms of adorablenext
1
: extremely charming or appealing
an adorable child
an adorable cottage
2
: worthy of adoration or veneration
adorability noun
adorableness noun
adorably adverb

Examples of adorable in a Sentence

They live in an adorable little cottage. what an adorable old lady, so kind and sweet
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.
Test Kitchen Pro Ivy Odom dreamed up this adorable dessert mashup. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026 Or take a literal shot of reality with a wee dram in the tasting room at Talisker Distillery, followed by a gourmet dinner from the Welsh chef who owns the charming Hame Hotel with his Polish partner and their adorable Aussie dog. Patti Nickell, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 Other pictures included her adorable dogs, as well as snaps with friends, and the sunset. Sarah Sotoodeh , Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026 Visiting children were invited to gather a Valentine’s Day Bouquet of the adorable paper blooms from each therapy pet, the news release stated. Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adorable

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "worthy of veneration," going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin adōrābilis, from adōrāre "to venerate, adore" + -bilis "capable (of acting or being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adorable was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adorable. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

adorable

adjective
ador·​able ə-ˈdōr-ə-bəl How to pronounce adorable (audio)
-ˈdȯr-
1
: deserving to be adored
2
: charming, lovely
an adorable child
adorableness noun
adorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on adorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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