English Reference
adjective

cherished

adj.
US /ˈtʃɛɹɪʃt/ UK /tʃˈɛɹɪʃt/ cher·ished

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    loved very much and kept as something special.

    highly valued and treated with deep affection or care.

    Simple

    The old photograph was one of her most cherished possessions.

    In context

    The museum's collection includes several cherished artifacts that were donated by local families to preserve the town's history.

    Usage

    Often used to describe memories, possessions, or traditions.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'expensive' refers to money, 'cherished' refers to emotional value.

My cherished first-born will soon be off to start a big new phase of his life, shiny saucepans in tow.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

They also became a cherished family tradition, with grandmothers, daughters and grandchildren often watching together.

Smithsonian Magazine· 16 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated