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.
There’s a reason the Caribbean remains one of the world’s most beloved destinations. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Of course, then there’s the big NBA championship win by her beloved New York Knicks. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 July 2026 One of the most beloved figures in franchise history is leaving the Sacramento Kings. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 The film is a modern take on creature horror movies told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beloved

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

More from Merriam-Webster on beloved

Nglish: Translation of beloved for Spanish Speakers

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