cherish
Americanverb (used with object)
-
cherishes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
cherished,
past participle, past
-
cherishing
present participle
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to hold or treat as dear; feel love for.
to cherish one's native land.
-
to care for tenderly; nurture.
to cherish a child.
- Antonyms:
- neglect
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to cling fondly or inveterately to.
to cherish a memory.
- Antonyms:
- relinquish
verb
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to show great tenderness for; treasure
-
to cling fondly to (a hope, idea, etc); nurse
to cherish ambitions
Usage
What does cherish mean? Cherish means to treasure—to hold or treat something as dear and often loved. The word implies a deep and active appreciation of the person or thing that’s cherished. The word is especially applied to loved ones, relationships, and fond memories of the time spent with such people. It can also be used in the context of possessions that are very special to you, such as a family heirloom or a favorite toy from childhood. Still, such objects are usually cherished due to their connection to a loved one. For example, you might cherish a locket with a photo of your grandmother in it, or a stuffed animal that your dad won for you at a carnival. Things that you cherish can be described with the adjective cherished, as in These are my most cherished possessions. Example: I love my grandma so much and cherish the time we get to spend together.
Synonym Usage
Cherish, foster, harbor imply giving affection, care, or shelter to something. Cherish suggests regarding or treating something as an object of affection or as valuable: to cherish a friendship. Foster implies sustaining and nourishing something with care, especially in order to promote, increase, or strengthen it: to foster a hope; to foster enmity. Harbor suggests giving shelter to or entertaining something undesirable, especially evil thoughts or intentions: to harbor malice or a grudge.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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cherishernoun
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overcherishverb (used with object)
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cherishableadjective
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overcherishedadjective
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uncherishedadjective
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uncherishingadjective
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well-cherishedadjective
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cherishinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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cherishsimple
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cherishessimple
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have cherishedperfect
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has cherishedperfect
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am cherishingprogressive
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are cherishingprogressive
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is cherishingprogressive
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have been cherishingperfect progressive
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has been cherishingperfect progressive
Past
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cherishedsimple
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had cherishedperfect
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was cherishingprogressive
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were cherishingprogressive
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had been cherishingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of cherish
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English cherisshen, from Middle French cheriss- (long stem of cherir ); equivalent to cher “dear” (from Latin cārus “beloved, dear, expensive”) + -ish 2; cf. charity
Explanation
To cherish something is to care for it deeply, to treasure it, like the way you cherish the time you spend with a favorite person you don't see often. The verb cherish is related to words that mean “costly” and “beloved.” When people really value something, often because they feel emotionally connected to it, they cherish it. Many of us cherish our first cars, and later in life, we cherish the memories of those days, driving around with our friends. Generally, people don't cherish things just because they cost money; they cherish experiences that matter to them.
Vocabulary lists containing cherish
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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
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Metamorphosis
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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.
See Examples For:
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
From Salon ● Oct. 29, 2026
His mother urged other parents to "hold their children a little tighter and cherish every moment".
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
“We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
As much as Anthrax cherish being one of the “Big Four” — Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax — playing a 35-minute set well before dark is a great way to reach new listeners.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
Someone from my family has always worked at this school because we honor and cherish its history.’
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
Adams is a curious sort, a player Clarke cherishes but who has never evoked major support among the Tartan Army.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
The singer unknowingly provided the soundtrack for that "first drive home that every parent cherishes".
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026
Aleys cherishes the tiny, exquisite psalter her mother inherited from an abbess aunt.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2026
One small-business owner cherishes Mr. Diamond’s many sad songs, which he enjoys listening to on the anniversary of his wife’s death.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 24, 2025
Instead of buying Pa a coffeemaker that would have to be replaced within a year, Ma made him an I love you, Diego mug that he cherishes.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
"He absolutely loved working with his supportive police colleagues, and he cherished everyday family life and spending time with our friends," says Louisa.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026
For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026
They need to be cherished for their loyalty and focus on their grandkids, through thick and thin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
Ms. FitzSimons writes that, as a child, she cherished her own American Girl doll and enjoyed a “last gasp of unselfconscious girlhood” via the narrative that was woven around it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
The small boy who looked in the kettle-hat, and who dreamed of well-water which always slipped away from his lips, had cherished an ambition to do some ordinary miracle.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Accepting that reality is helpful, as is cherishing what good moments they have.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 10, 2026
Although I love a classic recipe, I wanted baking inspiration that would make me rethink everything I knew about the ones I grew up cherishing.
From Salon ● Dec. 13, 2025
Music may be permitted to speak not of specifics but the essence of grief, a collective cherishing of existence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2025
What keeps the story sweet is the chemistry between Cannavale and Fitzgerald, who build a bond worth cherishing.
From New York Times ● May 30, 2024
So it’s interesting, and more than a little disturbing, to see how Barb turned out—that she’s meaner and slyer than I am, more cherishing of grudges, and not quite as smart as I’d hoped.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
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