favorite

1 of 2

noun

fa·​vor·​ite ˈfā-v(ə-)rət 

ˈfā-vərt,

 chiefly dialectal  ˈfā-və-ˌrīt

1

: one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking

That song is my favorite.

especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority

The king granted the land to two of his favorites.

2

: a competitor judged most likely to win

Which horse is the favorite in this race?

favorite

2 of 2

adjective

: constituting a favorite

his favorite daughter

especially : markedly popular

the country's favorite sport

Synonyms

Noun

• darling
• fave
• minion
• pet
• preference
• speed

Adjective

• beloved
• cherished
• darling
• dear
• fair-haired
• favored
• fond
• loved
• pet
• precious
• special
• sweet
• white-headed

Examples of favorite in a Sentence

Noun

Of all his books, do you have a favorite?

That movie is my favorite.

That movie is a great favorite with audiences everywhere.

Adjective

that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree

mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The last time a morning-line favorite took first place at the Derby was in 2018, when Justify won the Triple Crown. —Alex Sundby, CBS News, 2 May 2025

This dahlia is a bee favorite for a couple of reasons: The single bicolor petals have a highly visible golden yellow center that guides bees directly to the pollen. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025

Adjective

This year, Journalism is viewed as the favorite, with other contenders such as Sovereignty and Sandman also in the mix. —Javier Zarracina, USA Today, 3 May 2025

The pre-deadline additions of Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall rekindled the Hurricanes’ position as a favorite, but Rantanen’s prompt exit again pushed Carolina to under-the-radar status. —Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Italian favorito, past participle of favorire to favor, from favore favor, from Latin favor

First Known Use

Noun

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing favorite

• co-favorite
• favorite son

Kids Definition

favorite

1 of 2 noun

fa·​vor·​ite ˈfāv-(ə-)rət 

1

: a person or a thing that is preferred more than others

2

: the contestant considered as having the best chance to win

favorite

2 of 2 adjective

: being a favorite

our favorite show