favorite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something regarded with special favor or liking
    favourite.
    • that book is one of my favorites
  2. noun a special loved one
    ducky; favourite; deary; pet; dearie; darling.
  3. noun a competitor thought likely to win
    favourite; front-runner.
  4. adjective satellite appealing to the general public
    favourite.
    • a favorite tourist attraction
  5. adjective satellite preferred above all others and treated with partiality
    preferent; favored; pet; preferred; favourite; best-loved.
    • the favored child

WordNet

Fa"vor*ite noun
Etymology
OF. favorit favored, F. favori, fem. favorite, p.p. of OF. favorir, cf. It. favorito, frm. favorita, fr. favorire to favor. See Favor.
Definitions
  1. A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.
    Committing to a wicked favorite All public cares. Milton.
  2. pl. Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II. Obs. Farquhar.
  3. (Sporting) The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.
Fa"vor*ite adjective
Definitions
  1. Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child. "His favorite argument." Macaulay.

Webster 1913