favorite favorite /ˈfeɪvrət/

adjective

1. () Preferred above all others and treated with partiality  ( best-loved , favourite , pet , favored , favorite , preferent , preferred )
   preferred above all others and treated with partiality
    The favored child
   the favored child
   
2. () Appealing to the general public  ( favourite , favorite )
   appealing to the general public
    A favorite tourist attraction
   a favorite tourist attraction
   

noun

1. () [American] Something regarded with special favor or liking  ( favourite [Canadian, British] , favorite [American] )
   something regarded with special favor or liking
    That book is one of my favorites
   that book is one of my favorites
   
2. () [American] A special loved one  ( dearie [Informal, British] , deary [Informal] , ducky [Informal] , favourite [Canadian, British] , pet , acushla [Irish] , duckie [Informal] , honeybun [Informal, N. American] , honeybunch [Informal] , darling , favorite [American] , jo [Archaic, Dialect, UK] )
   a special loved one
     The parents affectionately called their baby daughter "darling."
   The parents affectionately called their baby daughter "darling."
   
   
3. [American] A competitor thought likely to win  ( favorite [American] , favourite [Canadian, British] , front-runner )
   a competitor thought likely to win