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

In 2022, Nebraska entered its game against Northwestern as an 11-point favorite. — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Some of our favorites include Loulou de Saison’s suede jacket, Dôen’s dreamy floral dress, and Khaite’s day-to-night midi skirt. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Below, find a little lime green inspo from some of our favorite street style shots. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026

This jacket has a lot going for it, but our favorite part is the button along the bottom hem. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 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