beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləvd  -ˈlə-vəd 

bē-

: dearly loved : dear to the heart

our beloved grandmother

a beloved public figure

beloved noun

Synonyms of beloved

• loved
• cherished
• favorite
• precious
• darling

Examples of beloved in a Sentence

He is a beloved public figure.

an actor beloved by millions of fans

one of the city's most beloved buildings

Recent Examples on the Web

And to vent the thick smoke, firefighters had to break the window closest to the organ — a beloved stained glass rendering of the crucifixion of Christ, an image at the spiritual and emotional center of the faith. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

November is Manatee Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and protect our beloved official state marine mammal. — Elizabeth Neville, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

This mix between college town, nature oasis and state capital gives Madison a unique flare, pairing beloved nightlife spaces with a growing trail network. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

As familiar as a beloved family photo, her photos are also as mysterious as magic. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of beloven to love, from be- + loven to love

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing beloved

• well-beloved

Rhymes for beloved

• behoved
• unloved
• gloved
• loved
• shoved

Kids Definition

beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləv(-ə)d 

: dearly loved

beloved noun