valentine

noun

val·​en·​tine ˈva-lən-ˌtīn 

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

Deutch, so great as Jean Seberg in Richard Linklater’s valentine to Godard, Nouvelle Vague, runs the gamut of emotions in this one, a performance that works on every level and a knockout that qualifies her a spot in the rom-com hall of fame alongside Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and Ryan. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 June 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

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valentyn, after Seint Valentynes day

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for valentine

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

valentine

noun

val·​en·​tine ˈval-ən-ˌtīn 

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