valet

[ va-ley, val-it, val-ey ]

noun

1. a male servant who attends to the personal needs of his male employer, as by taking care of clothing or the like; manservant.
2. a man who is employed for cleaning and pressing, laundering, and similar services for patrons of a hotel, passengers on a ship, etc.
3. an attendant who parks cars for patrons at a hotel, restaurant, etc.
4. a stand or rack for holding coats, hats, etc.

verb (used with or without object)

, val·et·ed, val·et·ing.

1. to serve as a valet.

valet

/ ˈvæleɪ; ˈvælɪt /

noun

1. a manservant who acts as personal attendant to his employer, looking after his clothing, serving his meals, etc French namevalet de chambre
2. a manservant who attends to the requirements of patrons in a hotel, passengers on board ship, etc; steward

verb

1. to act as a valet for (a person)
2. tr to clean the bodywork and interior of (a car) as a professional service

Other Words From

• val·et·less adjective
• un·val·et·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of valet¹

1560–70; < French; Middle French va ( s ) let squire, equivalent to vas- (< Medieval Latin vassus servant) + -let -let; vassal

Word History and Origins

Origin of valet¹

C16: from Old French vaslet page, from Medieval Latin vassus servant; see vassal

Example Sentences

The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department is seeking the public’s help identifying a man suspected of brutally attacking a beloved valet at Barney’s Beanery last Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

After eating dinner with my oldest brother and his adult son from Minnesota at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, I lighted a cigarette in the alleyway while waiting for the valet.

From Los Angeles Times

A beloved valet at Barney’s Beanery was improving Wednesday after a brutal attack outside the West Hollywood restaurant over the weekend that authorities have characterized as attempted murder.

From Los Angeles Times

A beloved valet for Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood has been hospitalized after being kicked and punched repeatedly by another man over the weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

A beloved valet for a popular West Hollywood restaurant has been hospitalized after being kicked and punched repeatedly by another man over the weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attendant
• servant