# darling

/ˈdɑɹɫɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈɑːlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/darling
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. term of endearment

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a name you call someone you love, like a husband, wife, or child.

For teachers: a term of endearment used to address a person for whom the speaker feels affection.

- Goodnight, darling, I will see you in the morning.
- He addressed his wife as darling throughout the evening, a habit that had persisted since their first year of marriage.

Usage: Commonly used as a vocative to address a romantic partner or family member.

### 2. a favorite person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is the favorite of a particular group or individual.

For teachers: a person who is particularly favored or cherished by a specific group, often in a professional or social context.

- The young actor quickly became the darling of the film critics.
- After the successful launch of the startup, the CEO became the darling of the tech media, appearing on every major magazine cover.

### 3. beloved or favorite

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

very dear or favorite.

For teachers: regarded with deep affection; cherished or favorite.

- She lost her darling brother during the long war.
- The poet wrote extensively about his darling homeland, which he had not visited in over thirty years.

### 4. charming or cute

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

very pretty, cute, or charming.

For teachers: possessing qualities that evoke affection or admiration; charmingly cute.

- What a darling little hat you are wearing today.
- The boutique was filled with darling trinkets that appealed to tourists looking for unique souvenirs.

## Examples

- Goodnight, darling, I will see you in the morning.
- She called out to her husband, asking if her darling had remembered to pick up the dry cleaning.
- The letter was addressed to his 'dearest darling,' a sentimental opening that contrasted sharply with the formal, almost cold tone of the subsequent paragraphs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.