valentine

noun

val·​en·​tine ˈva-lən-ˌtīn How to pronounce valentine (audio)
1
: a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day
2
a
: a gift or greeting sent or given especially to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day
especially : a greeting card sent on this day
b
: something (such as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection : tribute

Examples of valentine in a Sentence

Won't you be my valentine?
Recent Examples on the Web Emma Heming Willis is celebrating Valentine's Day with her valentine, husband Bruce Willis. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024 At a loss for the perfect GIF to send your valentine on Feb. 14? Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2024 Longtime member Charlie Wendt is known for his joke about why to send a singing valentine. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024 From the house of Sacha Lachine, this fancy bottle will make a pretty impression on your valentine. Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Music Men deliver singing valentines The nonprofit Music Men Chorus, which marks its 70th year, will deliver Singing Valentine across North County featuring their barbershop quartets from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 13-14. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024 Your valentine can try six perfumes in their floral collection with this sampler. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 And finally, there are many local stores to buy your valentine that perfect gift. Anna Webb, Idaho Statesman, 1 Feb. 2024 But of course, no Valentine’s Day celebration is complete without actual valentines. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'valentine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valentyn, after Seint Valentynes day

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of valentine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near valentine

Cite this Entry

“Valentine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valentine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

valentine

noun
val·​en·​tine ˈval-ən-ˌtīn How to pronounce valentine (audio)
1
: a sweetheart given something as a sign of affection on Valentine's Day
2
: a gift or greeting sent or given on Valentine's Day
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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