favourite

British  

/ ˈfeɪvrɪt, ˈfeɪvərɪt /

adjective

1. (prenominal) most liked; preferred above all others

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noun

1. 1. a person or thing regarded with especial preference or liking

   2. ( as modifier )

      a favourite book

2. sport a competitor thought likely to win

3. (pl) computing a place on certain browsers that allows internet users to list the addresses of websites they find and like with a click of the mouse so that they can revisit them merely by opening the list and clicking on the address

4. to display favouritism

Etymology

Origin of favourite

C16: from Italian favorito , from favorire to favour, from Latin favēre

Example Sentences

Attenborough was also a firm favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who knighted him in 1985.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

After all his travels, he has confided that his favourite place remains Richmond, an affluent and leafy suburb in southwest London.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Dawn's daughter, 29-year-old marketing director, Amanda Kerr, has adopted her mum's favourite hobby as a way to cope with what happened - and help others in the process.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

That ceremony has now been cancelled and visitors will instead get to vote themselves on their favourite pavilions.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

I can see her as though it were but yesterday, on that unforgettable afternoon—never mind how many years ago—when she sat on her favourite sofa in the lounge, debating her method of attack.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier