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.
The tennis star, 44, recently shared some adorable pictures of her family of four on Instagram, posing together after her sister Venus Williams' wedding. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 The star also shared an adorable photo of the family’s matching Halloween costume, sharing an image of her, Luai, and Shammas wearing Batman costumes with masks and capes. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026 Browse more of our favorite picks from the Winter Savings Event, including some adorable items for Valentine's Day. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026 Pinta is an adorable brown tabby cat. Arkansas Online, 4 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 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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