adorable

adjective

ador·​able ə-ˈdȯr-ə-bəl How to pronounce adorable (audio)
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.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Slice & Stack Sandwich Counter This adorable Melissa & Doug wooden sandwich counter is an excellent toy to encourage counting, sorting, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. Laura Lu, Parents, 23 May 2025 On Thursday, May 22, Hailey, 28, shared an adorable photo on her Instagram Stories to celebrate the infant turning 9 months old. Becca Longmire, People.com, 23 May 2025 That means a revisit for old fans who grew up with Stitch's shenanigans alongside his young Hawaiian bestie Lilo and a fresh bunch of little movie lovers discovering the adorable pals for the first time. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Although Esme is clearly a deadly warrior who nearly kills Luke several times, the pair engage in the sort of adorable flirtation from which even James Bond has moved on. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 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 29 May. 2025.

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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