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.
Bertinelli, at 65 and perennially adorable in a beret, glasses and comfy striped sweater, is chatting from her bedroom, sipping from a mug and sharing unvarnished insights about love, self-acceptance and moving beyond traumas that might otherwise define us. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 These adorable cookies are assembled rather than baked and use only four ingredients. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026 The adorable saw-whet is the smallest owl species in New England. Breana Pitts, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 Emily Ratajkowski's 4-year-old son Sly looked all grown up in an adorable rare video. Elle Meier, InStyle, 5 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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