darling

1 of 2

noun

dar·​ling ˈdär-liŋ 

1

: a dearly loved person

2

: favorite

a director who is the darling of the critics

darling

2 of 2

adjective

1

: dearly loved : favorite

2

: very pleasing : charming

darlingly

ˈdär-liŋ-lē 

adverb

darlingness noun

Synonyms of darling

Noun

• favorite

Adjective

• loved
• beloved
• cherished
• precious
• favorite
• sweet
• dear
• special

Examples of darling in a Sentence

Noun

She was mother's little darling.

for a while that candidate was the darling of the news media and could do no wrong

Adjective

This is my darling daughter, Sara.

That dress is just darling.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This nightstand is packed with darling details, like spindle legs, visible wood grain patterns, and an antique bronze knob. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026

Graham co-created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix hit Adolescence, which has become an awards darling since premiering to critical acclaim. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Outdoors, the home features a darling 80-square-foot front porch that can accommodate small outdoor furniture like rocking chairs, a bistro set, or garden bench. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026

Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English derling, from Old English dēorling, from dēore dear

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for darling

• carling
• harling
• marling
• snarling
• sparling
• starling

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Kids Definition

darling

1 of 2 noun

dar·​ling ˈdär-liŋ 

1

: a dearly loved person

2

: favorite entry 1 sense 1

darling

2 of 2 adjective

1

: dearly loved : favorite

2

: very pleasing : charming

Geographical Definition

Darling

geographical name

Dar·​ling ˈdär-liŋ 

river 1702 miles (2738 kilometers) long in southeastern Australia in Queensland and New South Wales flowing southwest into the Murray River