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

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

Adjective

Here, references to bears (in Bruin’s name, Colin’s fur suit, and Doane’s favorite hockey team), the talismanic power of household appliances, and the sunken earth keep recurring. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026

She was wrapped in a blanket in her favorite chair. —Literary Hub, 3 June 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