dearer; dearest
1
: loved or valued very much
He's a dear [=precious] friend of mine.
my dearest friend
Our neighbor is a dear old lady.
—often + toMy grandmother was very dear to me.
The book is dear to the hearts of many young readers.
2
—used in writing to address someone
Dear Sir or Madam
Dear Jane
3
chiefly British
: having a high price : expensive
Peaches are dear this time of year.
: with love and respect
—used in the phrase hold dear
She lost her family, her home—everything that she held dear. [=loved and valued most]
the way of life they hold dear
plural dears
1
—used to address someone you love
Hello, dear. [=darling, sweetheart]
Yes, my dear?
John, dear, what time will you be home?
2
: a kind and helpful person
Be a dear and take this for me.
—used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment
Oh dear! What a mess!
Oh, dear me!
Dear God! What are we going to do?
Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dear. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.
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