loved one

American  

noun

1. a close or cherished relation.

   to mourn the loss of our loved ones.

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Etymology

Origin of loved one

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

In these kinds of cases, family members are often left asking an unthinkable question: Would their loved one still be alive if they’d received the necessary care?

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Let’s ensure this presumption of innocence means something in practice if you, or your loved one, need it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Grieving often prompts frantic spelunking missions—rereading old letters or texts, scouring your camera roll and random social media accounts for any scrap of a memory of your loved one.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

"This fund would be a game changer for them. You cannot describe the pain and anguish when a loved one is going through cancer," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

He knew they had been brought up together, had known each other sixty years, had never not loved one another deeply, and it thrilled him when he could hear them arguing.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

• lover
• passion