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

From the Sports Desk KHSAA football: Both coaches agree the winner of Friday's game between No. 1 Central and No. 3 Christian Academy will be the favorite to take home the Class 3A title. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024

Jackson is no longer the overwhelming MVP favorite after what Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen did against Kansas City last week. —Jack Magruder, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Adjective

One of my favorite authors and former Navy SEAL Jacko Wilkins says: The only path to freedom of any kind is discipline. —Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Here's what time 'Dancing with the Stars' is on tonight, where to watch Week 8, who is left in Season 33 and how to vote for your favorite couple. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

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