English · Word Candidate

darling

/ˈdɑːlɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: darlings · darlinger · darlingest · darlinging

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Often used as an affectionate term of address: a person who is very dear to one.

Noun

Pass the wine, would you, darling?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A person who is kind, sweet, etc., and thus lovable; a pet, a sweetheart; also, an animal or thing which is cute and lovable.

Noun

The girl next door picks up all my shopping for me. She is such a darling.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Very dear; beloved, cherished, favourite.

Adjective

She is my darling wife of twenty-two years.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Very cute or lovable; adorable, charming, sweet.

Adjective

Well, isn’t that a darling little outfit she has on?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “darling” mean?

Often used as an affectionate term of address: a person who is very dear to one.

Is “darling” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.