valor

noun

val·​or ˈva-lər 

: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

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When Should You Use valor?

Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.

Synonyms of valor

• heroism
• courage
• bravery
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess

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 Arlington Heights police chief said seen people, including five officers, a sergeant and a police commander, will be awarded a medal of valor for their heroism in getting this couple out safely at the village hall meeting on March 16. —Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Arenado, who nursed a right shoulder injury in the offseason, slowly realized that relaxing can sometimes be the better part of valor. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026

But the deeds of one warrior that night will live forever in the eternal chronicles of military valor. —Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026

But the deeds of one warrior that night will live forever in the eternal chronicles of military valor, Chief Warrant Officer Five, Eric Slover, planned the mission and was the flight lead in the cockpit of the first helicopter. —February 25, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing valor

• discretion is the better part of valor

Rhymes for valor

• calor
• malheur
• pallor
• salar
• valour

Kids Definition

valor

noun

val·​or ˈval-ər 

: personal bravery in the face of danger