beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləvd  -ˈlə-vəd 

bē-

: dearly loved : dear to the heart

our beloved grandmother

a beloved public figure

beloved noun

Synonyms of beloved

• loved
• cherished
• favorite
• precious
• darling

Examples of beloved in a Sentence

He is a beloved public figure.

an actor beloved by millions of fans

one of the city's most beloved buildings

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s because the hotel was founded by Shin Young-kyun, a beloved South Korean film actor and politician who was born in 1928—hence, the hotel’s name. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026

Steinbeck’s novel is largely centered around the Hamiltons (who emigrate from Ireland to the author’s beloved Salinas Valley) and the Trasks (who move to California from the East Coast). — Max Gao, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Our Lady of Aparecida is a much-beloved figure among Brazilians. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

He was held back by something else, a feeling that some awful truth about his familiar, beloved world was now being revealed to him. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of beloven to love, from be- + loven to love

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing beloved

• well-beloved

Rhymes for beloved

• behoved
• unloved
• gloved
• loved
• shoved

Kids Definition

beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləv(-ə)d 

: dearly loved

beloved noun