What does "beau" mean?
A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.
Beau
/boʊ/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.
- Grammar: beau is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: boyfriend, dandy, fashion plate, address.
- Useful contrasts: coarse, crude, damsel.
- Usage evidence: "Oh, hey look! There's Tom's new beau."
How to use "beau"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "beau" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "beau" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "beau" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "beau" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "beau" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "boyfriend" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "beau", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop. dated
"“[…]—I suppose your brother was quite a beau, Miss Dashwood, before he married, as he was so rich?” “Upon my word,” replied Elinor, “I cannot tell you, for I do not perfectly comprehend the meaning of the word. But this I can say, that if he ever was a beau before he married, he is one still, for there is not the smallest alteration in him.” “Oh! dear! one never thinks of married men’s being beaux—they have something else to do.”"
- 2 a man who is the lover of a man or woman wordnet
- 3 A male lover; a boyfriend. Canada, US, dated
"Hannah's beau takes all her time 'n' thought, and when she gits a husband her mother'll be out o' sight and out o' mind."
- 4 a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance wordnet
- 5 A male escort.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A suitor of a lady.
Verb
- 1 To act as a beau (towards); to court or woo. ambitransitive
"Everyone was feeling grandacious, as if getting dressed for a night of beauing."
Proper Noun
- 1 A male given name used since mid-twentieth century.
"'Mees Melly, I hear she call her boy "Beauregard". You tell her I, René, approve and say that except for "Jesus" there is no bettaire name.' And though he smiled, his eyes glowed proudly at the name of Louisiana's dashing hero. 'Well, there's "Robert Edward Lee" ', observed Tommy. 'And while I'm not trying to lessen Old Beau's reputation, my first son is going to be named "Bob Lee Wellburn".'"
Example
""Oh, hey look! There's Tom's new beau.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "beau"?
Common synonyms include: boyfriend, dandy, fashion plate, address, admirer, admirers.
How do you use "beau" in a sentence?
"Oh, hey look! There's Tom's new beau."
How do you pronounce "beau"?
Pronounced /boʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English beau, beu, bew, bewe, from Old French beau, from Latin bellus (“beautiful”). Doublet of bello and boo.
Etymology 2
Shortened from surname type given names such as Beauregard or Beaumont, or from the French word beau.