loved one
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of loved one
First recorded in 1860–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The story shows that people can endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one and even their homeland, yet still discover new love, renewed purpose and hope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
"I cannot even remember how I used to live in the past without being reminded of the loved one I lost during the protests," she says.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
Herman, who founded and runs the nonprofit Foundation Aiding the Elderly, says the best way to check out a nursing home for a loved one is by making a personal inspection.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026
An art project called the Goodbye Line prompts passersby to make a collect call and say goodbye — to a loved one, a pet or maybe a part of themselves.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026
It seemed everyone had a funny anecdote to share or a touching memory of a loved one.
From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.