loved one
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of loved one
First recorded in 1860–65
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.
People were often too afraid to speak up about a missing loved one.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
She said that with brain injury rehabilitation it was hard to get a loved one into an appropriate facility.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
The story shows that people can endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one and even their homeland, yet still discover new love, renewed purpose and hope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Herman, who founded and runs the nonprofit Foundation Aiding the Elderly, says the best way to check out a nursing home for a loved one is by making a personal inspection.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026
It seemed everyone had a funny anecdote to share or a touching memory of a loved one.
From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool
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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.