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 of favorite

Noun

• darling
• preference

Adjective

• loved
• beloved
• cherished
• precious
• special
• darling
• favored
• sweet

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 European team was at one point the favorite to win the group but sits behind Canada thanks to the goal differential. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026

One of our editors’ latest favorites is Clio’s Kill Cover Cushion Foundation, thanks to its airy, lightweight formula infused with brightening niacinamide. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

Adjective

From fashion finds—like Madewell’s set of soft and simple crewneck T-shirts, a fabulous discovery from senior shopping editor Cortne Bonilla’s keen eye—to home steals, such as marketing and production manager Kasey Busiel’s favorite Brooklinen sheets and Talia Abbas’s Moccamaster coffee maker. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2026

Lobster rolls, a summer favorite on the East Coast, are rarely cheap and often sell for $25 to $40 or more, depending on the location. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

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