favourite

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfeɪv(ə)rɪt/
(US favorite)

adjective

[attributive]
  • preferred to all others of the same kind: their favourite Italian restaurant

noun

  • a person or thing that is preferred to all others of the same kind or is especially well liked: my favourite is tandoori chicken the song is still a favourite after 20 years
  • the competitor thought most likely to win a game or contest, especially by people betting on the outcome: the team are strong favourites
  • a record of the address of a website or other data made to enable quick access; a bookmark.

verb

[with object]
  • record the address of (a website or other data) to enable quick access in future: you can see who else favourited the same pictures

Phrases

favourite son

a famous man who is particularly popular in his native area: Essex’s favourite son will open at Lord’s to launch the cricket season
US a person supported as a presidential candidate by delegates from the candidate’s home state: he hoped to strengthen his position as Maryland’s favourite son

Origin:

late 16th century (as a noun): from obsolete French favorit, from Italian favorito, past participle of favorire 'to favour', from Latin favor (see favour)