favorite

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?

Synonyms of favorite

• darling
• preference

Examples of favorite in a Sentence

Of all his books, do you have a favorite?

That movie is my favorite.

That movie is a great favorite with audiences everywhere.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bedoya offers insights on this year’s biggest contenders, plus gives his favorites, sleepers and a look at Team USA’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the Cup. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026

But in the meantime here are my favorites so far from 2026. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

The pool and pool bar are sheltered by palm trees and offer a long list of cocktails, including my favorite, which was a coconut margarita. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Garden at the Line has more than 60 beers and other beverages on tap, and its adjoining commercial kitchen has food from 10 restaurants, including Sacramento favorites like Kru and Binchoyaki, available for purchase. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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