endearment

[en-deer-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of endearing. endearing.

2. the state of being endeared.

3. something that endears; an action or utterance showing affection.

   to murmur endearments.

endearment

/ ɪnˈdɪəmənt /

noun

1. something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance

2. the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared

Word History and Origins

Origin of endearment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; endear + -ment

Example Sentences

It started with a blowup with contestant Ace Greene after he vocalized his discomfort with Espinal touching him and using terms of endearment, in particular the word “babe.”

From Los Angeles Times

Other activists started to call them Grandma and Grandpa, pet names they’ve since adopted at home to replace traditional terms of endearment.

From Los Angeles Times

The word can apply to someone of any age, or any gender, as she and all the kids know; “babygirl” is now a slang term of endearment for a cute, appealing man.

From Los Angeles Times

“Oma’s house is still there,” she said, using a term of endearment.

From Los Angeles Times

Their chemistry and understanding of Cuban culture hits different when they pronounce “Paramount+” like a Cuban uncle and it's always from a place of endearment instead of ridicule.

From Salon