deary

or dear·ie

[ deer-ee ]

noun

, Informal: Sometimes Facetious.

, plural dear·ies.

1. darling.

deary

/ ˈdɪərɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   dearies a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious
2. deary me! or dearie me!
   an exclamation of surprise or dismay

Word History and Origins

Origin of deary¹

First recorded in 1675–85; dear ¹ + -y ²

Example Sentences

“Back to your rooms with you all. Your sessions start in an hour, dearies. Get bathed and dressed. On with you. Shoo! Shoo!”

From Literature

“What is it, deary?” asked Mrs. March, holding out her hand, with a face which invited confidence.

From Literature

Step on a crack, my dearies, step on a crack and teach your granny to suck eggs from her one basket.

From The New Yorker

Deary, deary," she went on, "but it is coming down!

From Project Gutenberg

Alas! my deary, you are unfitted to battle with the world.

From Project Gutenberg