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

Noun

• darling
• fave
• minion
• pet
• preference
• speed

Adjective

• beloved
• cherished
• darling
• dear
• fair-haired
• favored
• fond
• loved
• pet
• precious
• special
• sweet
• white-headed

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

Some of our favorites include Nails Inc.’s Meet Me On Regents Street, Dior’s in 047 Nuit 1947, Chanel’s Rouge Noir, and Essie’s Berry Naughty. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025

Get the Recipe 17 of 25 Tee's Corn Pudding This take on a classic Southern side dish is a Southern Living favorite. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The Opening Drive portion of the new PGA Tour season—which begins today at The Sentry on the famed Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui—is one of my favorite stretches on our calendar each year. —Jay Monahan, Sportico.com, 2 Jan. 2025

My favorite case was the one that fell the furthest outside Doc’s usual wheelhouse. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Jan. 2025

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