lovable

adjective

lov·​able ˈlə-və-bəl 

variants or less commonly loveable

: having qualities that attract affection

the hero's lovable sidekick

—Terrence Rafferty

he's the gruff but lovable grandpa

—John Garrity

lovability

ˌlə-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

lovableness noun

lovably

ˈlə-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• adorable
• darling
• dear
• disarming
• endearing
• lovesome
• precious
• sweet
• winning
• winsome

Examples of lovable in a Sentence

He has a bad temper, but he's still lovable.

she was a lovable child, always helpful and kind

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps these lovable clowns can take solace in the delicious irony that, for all of the impersonations, they’ll be most fondly remembered for playing themselves. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024

Barney & Friends followed the lovable purple Tyrannosaurus rex and his friends beginning in 1992. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

The only lovable character in the movie, though, wasn’t a person at all, but an Alfa Romeo Spider, and that car, like the film, remains an undisputed classic. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024

To read these stories is to be forcefully ushered into the home of a friend, to listen to him rant, yet to find his bizarre performance endearing, even lovable. —Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lovable

adjective

lov·​able

variants also loveable

ˈləv-ə-bəl 

: having qualities that tend to make one loved

lovableness noun

lovably

-blē 

adverb