Definition of VALOR

Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor. the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor

Recent Examples on the Web

The White House announced today that on March 27 President Donald Trump will present to the family of a fallen soldier the nation’s highest award for valor in combat. — James Freeman, WSJ, "An Army Hero," 12 Mar. 2019 This audacious feat of leadership earned Mr. Mendez the Intelligence Star for valor, but like all CIA operations, its details were immediately locked in a vault. — Sam Walker, WSJ, "The Offbeat Genius of a Great American Spy," 26 Jan. 2019 American soldiers pose with their French medals for valor in northern Russia. — Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, "The One Time American Troops Fought Russians Was at the End of World War I—and They Lost," 9 Nov. 2018 American troops received French, White Russian and British medals for valor. — Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, "The One Time American Troops Fought Russians Was at the End of World War I—and They Lost," 9 Nov. 2018 He was awarded the Dickin Medal, which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the highest honor awarded for valor in the UK. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Pigeons Are Actually the Most Magnificent Bird," 20 Nov. 2018 For her valor, the cat received the Purple Paw award from the Animal Foundation of Great Falls, Montana. — Alexandra Gekas, Woman's Day, "10 Amazing Animal Rescue Stories," 10 Jan. 2011 While Trump deferred the draft five times to enter his father’s real estate business, Mueller received a Bronze Star with a distinction for valor for his active role in combat during some of the most intense fighting in the conflict. — Krista Stevens, Longreads, "How Vietnam Shaped Robert S. Mueller," 16 May 2018 Renteria criticizing umpires in defense of Moncada after a three-strikeout game qualified as valor getting the better part of discretion, one of two intriguing comments this week from men in charge of the Sox rebuild. — David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Rick Renteria's gripe only makes it tougher for Yoan Moncada," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for valor

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield

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