English Reference
verb

cherish

v.
US /ˈtʃɛɹɪʃ/ UK /tʃˈɛɹɪʃ/ cher·ish UK spelling cherishes

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to love someone or something very much and take good care of them.

    to treat with deep affection and tenderness; to nurture or protect something valued.

    Simple

    He cherished the old watch his grandfather gave him before he died.

    In context

    The community continues to cherish its local traditions, ensuring that each generation learns the songs and stories of their ancestors.

    Usage

    Often used with physical objects that have sentimental value or with people.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to keep a hope, a memory, or a pleasant feeling in your mind.

    to harbour or nurture a belief, hope, or memory in one's mind over a long period.

    Simple

    She cherished the hope that one day they would meet again.

    In context

    Despite the many years that had passed, he still cherished the memory of their first summer in the mountains.

    Usage

    Commonly takes abstract nouns like 'hope', 'memory', 'ambition', or 'dream' as a direct object.

    harbourhold dearcling to

Spencer said: “I hope this book will be of interest to the many who still cherish the memory of Diana when she was alive.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated