dear

adjective (1)

\ ˈdir

Definition of dear

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : highly valued : precious a dear friend Our friendship is very dear to me. ran for dear life —often used in a salutation dear Sir

2 : affectionate, fond

3 : high or exorbitant in price : expensive eggs are very dear just now

4 : heartfelt our dearest prayers

5 obsolete : noble

dear

adverb

Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : dearly sense 3 the effort cost them dear

2 : dearly sense 1 so dear I loved the man— William Shakespeare

dear

noun

Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : a loved one : sweetheart How was your day, dear?

2 : a lovable person Be a dear and get me a drink.

dear

interjection

Definition of dear (Entry 4 of 5)

—used especially to express annoyance or dismay Oh dear!

dear

adjective (2)

Definition of dear (Entry 5 of 5)

: severe, sore in our dear peril— William Shakespeare

Other Words from dear Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing dear Learn More About dear

Examples of dear in a Sentence

Noun Be a dear and take this for me.

First Known Use of dear

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

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

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1694, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dear

Adjective (1), Adverb, Noun, and Interjection

Middle English dere, from Old English dēore; akin to Old High German tiuri distinguished, costly

Adjective (2)

Middle English dere, from Old English dēor — see dear entry 1

Learn More About dear

Dictionary Entries Near dear

Dean Schedule

dear

Dearborn

Statistics for dear

Cite this Entry

“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dear. Accessed 7 Oct. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for dear

dear

adjective

\ ˈdir

dearer; dearest

Kids Definition of dear

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : greatly loved or cared about a dear friend

2 —used as a form of address especially in letters Dear Sir

3 : having a high price Fuel is dear just now.

4 : deeply felt : earnest My dearest wish is to see you.

dear

adverb

Kids Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 3)

: with love We held her dear.

dear

noun

Kids Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 3)

: a loved one : darling

WORD OF THE DAY

proffer

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words Named After People

Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ

dear

Definition of dear

Other Words from dear

Synonyms & Antonyms for dear

Examples of dear in a Sentence

First Known Use of dear

History and Etymology for dear

Learn More About dear

Dictionary Entries Near dear

Statistics for dear