noun
- A term of endearment used in Irish English, meaning 'my darling' or 'my dear'; derived from Irish 'mo mhuirnín'.
Usage: informal; chiefly Irish English; often used affectionately in speech or literature
Examples
- Come here, mavourneen, and tell me what's troubling you.
- The old woman called her granddaughter 'mavourneen' with great affection.
- In Irish literature, characters often address loved ones as mavourneen.
- He spoke to her softly, calling her mavourneen as they danced.
- The song featured the word mavourneen in its chorus, evoking Irish tradition.