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.
The Holocaust, the fight against segregation, assassinations of beloved public figures, the war on terror, the pandemic. Dr. Richard Fichman, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 At Sweet Bliss Bakery With a range from turtle brownies to lavender blueberry cheesecake, Sweet Bliss Bakery is a beloved spot for all things sweet in Nelson County. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 Ease of cleaning While every cat owner recognizes the importance of finding a comfortable bed for their beloved pet, no one wants to deal with the hassle of hand-washing a cat bed. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 Meanwhile, Alicea’s first album under Rimas Entertainment is a marathon of tropical gems that best honor his beloved Puerto Rico. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 June 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 8 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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