fa·vor·ite
ˈfā-v(ə-)rət 
ˈfā-vərt
chiefly dialectal ˈfā-və-ˌrīt
1
2
: a competitor judged most likely to win
Which horse is the favorite in this race?
: constituting a favorite
his favorite daughter
especially
: markedly popular
the country's favorite sport
Examples of favorite in a Sentence
Noun
Of all his books, do you have a favorite?
That movie is my favorite.
That movie is a great favorite with audiences everywhere.
Adjective
that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree
mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Some have remained favorites for literally decades, while more recent inductees earned multiple, often consecutive honors by solving beauty concerns in ways that felt genuinely game-changing.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 20 May 2026
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
Here are some of my favorite fictional sisters.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
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Noun
Following the eliminations of fan favorites Rick Devens and Cirie Fields last week, the finale opened with a high-stakes fight to the finish between the remaining contestants.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Some have remained favorites for literally decades, while more recent inductees earned multiple, often consecutive honors by solving beauty concerns in ways that felt genuinely game-changing.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 20 May 2026
Adjective
With deals up to 72 percent off, best-selling pieces surely won’t stay in stock long, so shop now before your soon-to-be new favorite travel outfit sells out.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
Here are some of my favorite fictional sisters.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Cite this Entry
“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorite. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favorite
1 of 2 noun
fa·vor·ite
ˈfāv-(ə-)rət
1
: a person or a thing that is preferred more than others
2
: the contestant considered as having the best chance to win
favorite
2 of 2 adjective
: being a favorite
our favorite show
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