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

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

Their reunion is surreal because it’s predicated on their mutual ability to admit fault, something that few of us have the opportunity to do after we walk away from a loved one scorned.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 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

"We lost a loved one," his voice thickening.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

I look up closure and it says: the state of experiencing an emotional conclusion to a difficult life event such as the death of loved one.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

Related Words

• lover
• passion