loved
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of loved
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; love ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does loved compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Your loved ones are the most important people in your life, usually your family members and closest friends. The adjective loved can describe anything you especially cherish. If you have objects, places, pets, or people in your life that you adore, you know what it means when something is loved. A toddler might insist on bringing her loved teddy bear everywhere. You'll often find this adjective modified by words like "well" or "much," and synonyms include "cherished" and "beloved."
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.
The Apple employee pointed his camera at a bookshelf: “I loved ‘Hyperion.’
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
"I have always loved Burleigh pottery," Bailey said.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and we will thoughtfully honor him throughout our upcoming season.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Children have a stronger sense of their roots and family culture, are more likely to stay together with brothers and sisters as a unit, and are more likely to report that they feel loved.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
This is the energy I loved when we volunteered at the half-marathon three years ago.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
