What does "valentine" mean?
An expression of affection, especially romantic affection, usually in the form of greeting card, gift, or message given the object of one's affection, especially on February 14th.
Valentine
/ˈvaləntaɪn/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An expression of affection, especially romantic affection, usually in the form of greeting card, gift, or message given the object of one's affection, especially on February 14th.
- Grammar: valentine is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: beloved, billet doux, darling, love letter.
- Useful contrasts: enemy, no card, no valentine.
- Usage evidence: She enclosed a little dark chocolate in her valentine.
How to use "valentine"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "valentine" 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 "valentine" 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 "valentine" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "valentine" 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 "valentine" is acting as name, noun 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 "beloved" 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 "valentine", 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 An expression of affection, especially romantic affection, usually in the form of greeting card, gift, or message given the object of one's affection, especially on February 14th.
"Such an extravagant valentine was unexpected."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of valentine. alt-of
"To morrow is ſaint Valentines day, / All in the morning betime, / And a maide at your window, / To be your Valentine: […]"
- 3 a card sent or given (as to a sweetheart) on Saint Valentine's Day wordnet
- 4 A person to whom a valentine is given or from whom it is received, especially on February 14th.
"Won't you be my valentine?"
- 5 a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr. countable, uncountable
- 2 A unisex given name from Latin.; A male given name from Latin in quiet but steady use since the 16th century. countable, uncountable
- 3 A unisex given name from Latin.; A female given name from Latin occasionally borrowed from French. countable, uncountable
- 4 An English and Scottish surname derived from the male given name. countable, uncountable
- 5 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; A census-designated place in Mohave County, Arizona. countable, uncountable
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Johnson Township, LaGrange County, Indiana. countable, uncountable
- 7 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; A historic neighbourhood of Kansas City, Missouri. countable, uncountable
- 8 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; A city, the county seat of Cherry County, Nebraska. countable, uncountable
- 9 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; A neighbourhood of Edison township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. countable, uncountable
- 10 A placename:; A number of places in the United States:; A small town in Jeff Davis County, Texas, named for its founding date, Valentine's Day. countable, uncountable
- 11 A placename:; A commune in Haute-Garonne department, Occitania, France. countable, uncountable
- 12 A placename:; A suburb of Newcastle in the City of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"She enclosed a little dark chocolate in her valentine."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "valentine"?
Common synonyms include: beloved, billet doux, darling, love letter, love note, name bearer.
How do you use "valentine" in a sentence?
She enclosed a little dark chocolate in her valentine.
How do you pronounce "valentine"?
Pronounced /ˈvaləntaɪn/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Saint Valentine's Day (“day of celebration of romantic love”).
Etymology 2
From Latin Valentinus, from valeō (“I am strong, healthy”).