favorite son

noun

1

: one favored by the delegates of his state as presidential candidate at a national political convention

2

: a famous person who is popular with hometown people

Example Sentences

an athlete who is one of New York's favorite sons

Recent Examples on the Web

Tropico’s favorite son? —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022

Afer such a turbulent period for India’s favorite son, who doubles as the most influential figure in cricket given his outsized fandom, Kohli has had to endure criticism even from his compatriots in the media who normally wouldn’t be game to take him head on. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 22 Apr. 2022

One of the city’s favorite sons returned to town. —Dateline Nbc, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2023

Fans aren't the only ones dying to know who Donna's favorite son is — her kids want to know, too! —Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2023

The favorite son of Paintsville, Ky., calls these gospel songs; there’s the Hallelujah, Jubilee, and Joyful Noise version of each. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Dec. 2022

My favorite son-in-law. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 June 2021

Willem Dafoe in 'The Northman' Appleton's favorite son Willem Dafoe plays Heimer the Fool in Robert Eggers' Viking saga. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2022

It’s certainly been a football season to remember, from the stark shadow of coronavirus that hung over pretty much everything, to the retirement of the NFL’s favorite son, Tom Brady himself. —Rob Ledonne, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1