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

While delivering the final eulogy for Ethel at her memorial on Wednesday, Biden brought up that valentine as a cherished possession of his. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Ethel Kennedy's daughter Kerry Kennedy is showing off some of her late mother's best homemade valentines, which were mentioned multiple times at Ethel's memorial service this week. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

The production, their first professional collaboration, often feels like a mournful valentine to him (even down to its opening date). —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024

And according to this year's results, Wisconsin residents should be giving Hershey kisses to their valentines. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valentyn, after Seint Valentynes day

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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