adorable

adjective

ador·​able ə-ˈdȯr-ə-bəl How to pronounce adorable (audio)
Synonyms of adorable
1
: extremely charming or appealing
an adorable child
an adorable cottage
2
: worthy of adoration or veneration
adorability
ə-ˌdȯr-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce adorable (audio)
noun
adorableness
ə-ˈdȯr-ə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce adorable (audio)
noun
adorably
ə-ˈdȯr-ə-blē How to pronounce adorable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of adorable

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Examples of adorable in a Sentence

They live in an adorable little cottage. what an adorable old lady, so kind and sweet
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, otters — those adorable little scamps with nearly human faces that mostly lie on their backs at the surface, using their bellies as snack trays. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 While both schools may be well known for football, they’re also known for having an affinity for very special (and adorable) dogs. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The Central Carolina fair maintains an active Facebook page and regularly posts updates, including promotions and videos of adorable petting zoo animals. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026 There's no denying that teacup pets are simply adorable, but looking past the puppy-like fur, veterinarians question the ethics of breeding such a small animal. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adorable

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "worthy of veneration," going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin adōrābilis, from adōrāre "to venerate, adore" + -bilis "capable (of acting or being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adorable was in 1601

Rhymes for adorable

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Browse Nearby Words

adorability
adorable
adorant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adorable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adorable

adjective
ador·​able ə-ˈdōr-ə-bəl How to pronounce adorable (audio)
-ˈdȯr-
1
: deserving to be adored
2
: charming, lovely
an adorable child
adorableness noun
adorably
-blē How to pronounce adorable (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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