valentine

noun

val·​en·​tine ˈva-lən-ˌtīn How to pronounce valentine (audio)
Synonyms of valentinenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The anonymous nature of the vinegar valentine meant that anyone could be an unwitting recipient. — Melissa Chan, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026 Analysts say the rest of the strategy often reads like a valentine rather than a sober national security communique. — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 14 May 2026 The original is a gratifying valentine. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 June 2026 His metier is bedroom pop that’s as influenced by indie confessionals as R&B valentines. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for valentine

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

Rhymes for valentine

See All Rhymes for valentine

Browse Nearby Words

Valentin's knife
valentine
Valentine's Day
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valentine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valentine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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