I. ˈdärliŋ, ˈdȧl-, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English derling, from Old English dēorling, from dēore dear + -ling — more at dear
1.
a. : one dearly beloved : the object of one's love
she was the darling of his life
— often used as a term of endearment
b. : a favorite especially of one in power or of a particular power, faction, or group
the cultural darling of the Communist party
the king's darling
Cromwell, more than ever the darling of his soldiers — T.B.Macaulay
2. : something looked upon with especial favor
energy and matter were the scientific darlings of the nineteenth century — Norbert Wiener
cotton shirts will be the darling of most sportswear departments — Women's Wear Daily
II. adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
1. : dearly beloved : favorite
the organization of public balls … was another darling topic of his heart — Sacheverell Sitwell
2. : delightfully pleasing : sweet , cute , charming
a darling living room
a darling little short story
• dar·ling·ly adverb
• dar·ling·ness noun -es