beloved

adjective

be·​loved bi-ˈləvd How to pronounce beloved (audio) -ˈlə-vəd How to pronounce beloved (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of beloved
: dearly loved : dear to the heart
our beloved grandmother
a beloved public figure
beloved noun

Synonyms of beloved

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My beloved friend, father figure, musical hero and mentor, Mike Love, is facing serious health challenges. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Don't skip desserts from pastry chef and co-owner Geri-Martha O'Hara, the mind behind beloved ice cream shop Big Spoon Creamery. — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 The beloved Southern breakfast chain is known for staying open 24/7, even through severe weather. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026 The beloved Southern breakfast chain is known for staying open through severe weather and often is a measuring stick of a storm's severity. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beloved

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of beloved was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing beloved

Rhymes for beloved

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Browse Nearby Words

Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction
beloved
below
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Cite this Entry

“Beloved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beloved. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beloved

adjective
be·​loved bi-ˈləv(-ə)d How to pronounce beloved (audio)
: dearly loved
beloved noun
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