What does darling mean?
The noun "darling" refers to a person who is deeply loved or cherished, and it doubles as one of English's most enduring terms of endearment — spoken between partners, directed at children, or used warmly among family and friends. A second sense describes anyone or anything that enjoys special popularity: a celebrated athlete may be called "the darling of the fans," or a startup founder "the media's darling," a usage that can be sincere or faintly ironic. The word derives from Old English "dēorling," a combination of "dēore" (dear) and the diminutive suffix "-ling," literally meaning "one who is dear." In tone it is informal and affectionate, common in everyday speech in both Britain and America, though British speakers use it more freely as a casual address even with acquaintances. Its warmth and long history make it a versatile word of tenderness and favor alike.
nounA person who is greatly loved or cherished, often used as a term of endearment for a sweetheart or close family member. It can also describe a person or thing that is especially popular, admired, or favored.
- A beloved person; a term of endearment used to address someone dear, such as a partner, child, or close relative.
- A person or thing that is especially popular, admired, or favored by a group (e.g., 'the media's darling').
"Her granddaughter was the darling of the whole family."
"Come here, darling — you've had a long day."
"After her breakthrough performance, the young actress became the darling of the critics."
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple beloved people or multiple favorites of a group.
"The twins were the darlings of the neighborhood."
"Darling" literally began as an Old English compound meaning "one who is dearly cherished" — over a thousand years of affection packed into two syllables.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of darling
"Darling" comes from the Old English "dēorling," formed from "dēore" (dear, precious) combined with the diminutive suffix "-ling," so it originally meant something like "one who is dearly cherished." The word has been in continuous use since the Old English period, making it well over a thousand years old. It is related etymologically to "dear," which shares the same Germanic root. Cognate formations appear in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "derling" in similar compounds.
Related word forms
How darling is actually used
As an address form ('darling'), it is informal and warm in British English, where shopkeepers and strangers sometimes use it casually, though this can feel overly familiar to Americans. In US English it is more often reserved for intimate relationships. When applied to public figures ('a media darling'), it can be admiring but is sometimes tinged with irony. The adjective use ('a darling little cottage') is chiefly informal and slightly old-fashioned.
Easily confused with darling
'Darling' means a loved person or term of endearment, while 'daring' means bold, adventurous, or willing to take risks.