endearment

American  

[en-deer-muhnt] / ɛnˈdɪər mənt /

noun

1. the act of endearing.

2. the state of being endeared.

3. something that endears; an action or utterance showing affection.

   to murmur endearments.

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endearment British  

/ ɪnˈdɪəmənt /

noun

1. something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance

2. the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared

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Etymology

Origin of endearment

First recorded in 1605–15; endear + -ment

Explanation

Next time you cringe when a family member calls you by your childhood nickname in public, remember, Snoopy, it's just a term of endearment — meant to show affection, not make you miserably embarrassed. When you break apart the word endearment, you probably recognize the word endear, a verb that means "to make admired or beloved." The suffix -ment can turn a verb into a noun, so endearment is something that shows affection or admiration, like calling someone "my love" instead of his or her name or playfully whacking your brother on the head when you walk by where he sits, doing his homework.

Example Sentences

The word can apply to someone of any age, or any gender, as she and all the kids know; “babygirl” is now a slang term of endearment for a cute, appealing man.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

“Oma’s house is still there,” she said, using a term of endearment.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

Their chemistry and understanding of Cuban culture hits different when they pronounce “Paramount+” like a Cuban uncle and it's always from a place of endearment instead of ridicule.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2024

He spoke about his grandmother, who he called "Mawmaw" – which he noted was a term of endearment in the Appalachian community he hails from.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

There was affection in his voice, and his use of the term “small one” brought sudden tears to Ranofer’s eyes, so vividly did he recall his father’s voice using that very endearment.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw