noun
- Plural of mavourneen; Irish term of endearment meaning 'my darling' or 'my dear one,' often used affectionately in Irish English or by those of Irish descent.
Usage: informal; chiefly Irish English; from Irish mo mhuirnín
Examples
- The grandmother called her grandchildren her little mavourneens.
- Come here, mavourneens, and have some tea with me.
- He spoke to them in Irish, calling them his mavourneens with great affection.
- The song celebrated the mavourneens of Ireland with warmth and nostalgia.