1
: highly valued : precious
a dear friend
Our friendship is very dear to me.
ran for dear life
—often used in a salutationdear Sir
2
: affectionate, fond
3
: high or exorbitant in price : expensive
eggs are very dear just now
4
: heartfelt
our dearest prayers
5
obsolete
: noble
dearness
noun
1
: dearly sense 3
the effort cost them dear
2
: dearly sense 1
so dear I loved the man—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare1
: a loved one : sweetheart
How was your day, dear?
2
: a lovable person
Be a dear and get me a drink.
—used especially to express annoyance or dismay
Oh dear!
Synonyms
Examples of dear in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
caviar has always been among the dearest of foods
spared no expense when caring for and feeding her dear little dog
a dear friend that I would do anything for
Noun
Be a dear and take this for me.
Recent Examples on the WebUSA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2024
Thomas’s purpose and intention for this brunch was to honor and celebrate a film he’s held dear to him since childhood.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for dear 
Noun
As the moon and Neptune harmonize, explore a spiritual study dear to your heart.
—USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2024
Thomas’s purpose and intention for this brunch was to honor and celebrate a film he’s held dear to him since childhood.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for dear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dear. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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