beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləvd How to pronounce beloved (audio) -ˈlə-vəd How to pronounce beloved (audio)
bē-
: dearly loved : dear to the heart
our beloved grandmother
a beloved public figure
beloved noun

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
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.
Deep Thought — the beloved boat that was ripped from Lake Michigan's shoreline in spring after months of abandonment — is officially up for auction. Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025 The Cincinnati Music Festival The biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, soul and funk are coming to the Queen City for this beloved festival. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025 Walter played Chessy, the beloved and brutally honest housekeeper of Nick's fictional California winery and mansion. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 July 2025 After closing for almost a year due to a project that upgraded multiple areas of the park, Ludington State Park, Michigan's most popular campground, will underground construction again this fall — this time to renovate the beloved Skyline Trail. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for beloved

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beloved was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Beloved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beloved. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

beloved

adjective
be·​loved bi-ˈləv(-ə)d How to pronounce beloved (audio)
: dearly loved
beloved noun

More from Merriam-Webster on beloved

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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