valentine

¹

[ val-uhn-tahyn ]

noun

1. a card or message, usually amatory or sentimental but sometimes satirical or comical, or a token or gift sent by one person to another on Valentine's Day, sometimes anonymously.
2. a sweetheart chosen or greeted on this day.
3. a written or other artistic work, message, token, etc., expressing affection for something or someone:

   His photographic essay is a valentine to Paris.

Valentine

²

[ val-uhn-tahyn ]

noun

1. Saint, died a.d. c270, Christian martyr at Rome.
2. Also pope a.d. 827.
3. a male given name: from a Latin word meaning “strong.”

valentine

¹

/ ˈvælənˌtaɪn /

noun

1. a card or gift expressing love or affection, sent, often anonymously, to one's sweetheart or satirically to a friend, on Saint Valentine's Day
2. a sweetheart selected for such a greeting

Valentine

²

/ ˈvælənˌtaɪn /

noun

1. Valentine, Saint3rd century3rd centuryMItalianRELIGION: clergymanRELIGION: martyrRELIGION: saint Saint. 3rd century ad , Christian martyr, associated by historical accident with the custom of sending valentines; bishop of Terni. Feast day: Feb 14

Word History and Origins

Origin of valentine¹

1400–50; late Middle English, after the feast of Saint Valentine

Example Sentences

He even pretended to go to her funeral on Valentine's Day.

From BBC

She jumped out of bed in her nightgown, chased after her 10-year-old border collie, Henry Valentine, and ran to her car in a pair of sandals.

From Los Angeles Times

Christmas is already in the can and Valentine’s Day is on the horizon.

From Los Angeles Times

But Hugh Grant has warned that the fourth instalment in the franchise - due out on Valentine's Day next year - will have a very different tone.

From BBC

They may not speak to younger generations, but Reitman’s film is a sweet and goofy Valentine, even if it does feel a bit slight.

From Salon

Related Words

• admirer
• boyfriend
• companion
• girlfriend
• suitor
• sweetheart