lovable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of lovable
First recorded in 1300–50, lovable is from the Middle English word lovable, lufabille. See love, -able
Explanation
Someone lovable is very easy to love. Kittens and puppies, cute fictional characters, and sweet-faced stuffed animals all tend to be lovable. Clowns? Not so much. People who are kind and generous to others are also lovable, because they deserve love in return for giving it to others. The adjective lovable comes from love, which has the Old English root lufu, "love, affection, or friendliness."
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.
He could be described as a lovable loser, but he’s so much more than that.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
Steve Carell’s character in the likable, watchable and even lovable “Rooster” is classic Steve Carell: Self-aware, charming, boyish, incapable of reading a room, sidestepping a faux pas or calculating nuance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
For all of the film’s expository merit, for all of the care and efficiency Hughes exhibited in creating such wonderful and instantly lovable women, “Pretty in Pink” flubs the landing.
From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026
Fans of Gavin and Stacey now have the rare chance to not only see, but to own an important piece of the show's history as Rob Brydon's lovable character's home is up for sale.
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026
They had come to him, this odd and lovable trio, over eight months ago, from the home of an old and dear college friend.
From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford
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.
