endearment

[en-deer-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of endearing. endearing.

2. the state of being endeared.

3. something that endears; an action or utterance showing affection.

   to murmur endearments.

endearment

/ ɪnˈdɪəmənt /

noun

1. something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance

2. the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; endear + -ment

Example Sentences

“What may be a term of endearment in one context can be perceived differently in another.”

From Los Angeles Times

It started with a blowup with contestant Ace Greene after he vocalized his discomfort with Espinal touching him and using terms of endearment, in particular the word “babe.”

From Los Angeles Times

Other activists started to call them Grandma and Grandpa, pet names they’ve since adopted at home to replace traditional terms of endearment.

From Los Angeles Times

The word can apply to someone of any age, or any gender, as she and all the kids know; “babygirl” is now a slang term of endearment for a cute, appealing man.

From Los Angeles Times

“Oma’s house is still there,” she said, using a term of endearment.

From Los Angeles Times