beloved
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of beloved
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English biloved “loved,” past participle of biloven “to like, love”; equivalent to be- + love + -ed 2
Compare meaning
How does beloved compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Your beloved is someone you love. You can also talk about a beloved pet or possession. You probably have some things you really love: a bike, a skateboard, a book, a DVD, maybe a souvenir from a trip. Those are beloved possessions — you really like them a lot. People also talk about beloved family members, beloved pets, and beloved friends. This is a word for things and people you're crazy about. And if you're feeling really crazy on Valentine's Day, go ahead and tell your crush that she's your beloved.
Vocabulary lists containing beloved
Love Letter Words for Valentine's Day
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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act II
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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Neil the beloved elephant seal has once again returned to Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania, for his annual moult, keeping locals on their toes with his cheeky and sometimes destructive antics.
From Salon • Jul. 7, 2026
Erika Kirk, who was accompanied in the Utah court by Donald Trump Jr and other high-profile figures on the right, said her husband had been "beloved."
From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," said Kirk's widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn, and sister, Mary.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026
A unifying cultural figure beloved by both liberals and conservatives, Stapleton was the headlining act at a Fourth of July benefit concert that also featured Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, Maren Morris and Queen Latifah.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2026
To Penelope it was the safest place in the world, a place where she would be surrounded by old friends and beloved teachers, and where everyone would have the Incorrigible children’s best interests at heart.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
