1
a
: prizing highly : desirous
—used with of
fond of praise
b
: having an affection or liking
—used with of
fond of music
fond of his nephew
2
a
: foolishly tender : indulgent sense 1
a fond mother
b
: affectionate, loving
absence makes the heart grow fonder
a fond embrace
3
: cherished with great affection : doted on
our fondest hopes
has fond memories of their time together
plural fonds
ˈfōⁿ(z)
1
: background, basis
2
: small particles of browned food and especially meat that adhere to the bottom of a cooking pan and are used especially in making sauces
After searing the steak, we noted the amount of fond (the residue of browned meat that sticks to the pan), which can be deglazed for a rich, flavorful pan sauce.—Garth Clingingsmith
3
obsolete
: fund
Cite this Entry
“Fond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fond. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
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