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

Allen Lazard is still around and might be the early favorite to be the No. 2 wide receiver until further notice, though he still could be released this offseason. —Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

In the season, Jokic has played like the MVP favorite, averaging 29.1 points per game, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 57.5 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three in 36.5 minutes of action. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. —Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025

Kosinski’s favorite part of the women’s art exhibition has been getting to know the artists and discovering how connected the local art community is to one another. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 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