Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 darling /där'lĭng/ · dar·ling · IPA /ˈdɑɹlɪŋ/ n. a. 01 n. One dearly beloved; a favorite. 1. One dearly beloved; a favorite. “And can do naught but wail her darling's loss.” — Shak. 02 a. Dearly beloved; regarded with especial kindness and tenderness; favorite. 1. Dearly beloved; regarded with especial kindness and tenderness; favorite.