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

Closer to the beach, Pla Pla is a breezy, more informal space for burgers, pizzas, and a handful of Thai favorites in the daytime or steaks and seafood in the evening. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Keep scrolling to check out these options and more of our favorites below, or click here to see the full collection on American Eagle's website. —Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 3 June 2026

For an edit of the best soft ballet flats on the market, scroll ahead—our favorites range from the edgy and cool to classics with fewer details and more functionality. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 June 2026

The season has mostly new shows, but a couple audience favorites have been added to the 2027 schedule. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 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