What does valentine mean?
A valentine is a card, message, or affectionate token given to someone, especially on Valentine's Day. The word can also name a person's lover or sweetheart, although this second sense is chiefly literary or archaic and sounds more formal or old-fashioned than the everyday terms beloved or sweetheart. In current use, valentines are commonly associated with red decorations, chocolate, flowers, handwritten sentiments, and exchanges among friends as well as romantic partners. The word can be used broadly for a single message or card, with context making clear which meaning is intended. Capitalization varies among dictionaries and style guides: "Valentine" remains common in the shortened form referring to a holiday card or message, while lowercase "valentine" is also widely accepted. The term is memorable because it joins a concrete cultural object with an older, poetic idea of the person one loves.
A card or message expressing affection, especially one sent on Valentine's Day; by extension, a person regarded as a lover or sweetheart.
"The children made valentines for their parents."
The person-related sense is literary or archaic; the card-and-message sense is dominant in modern usage.
Of or relating to Valentine's Day.
"The shop stocked valentine candy and red paper hearts."
This use occurs chiefly in attributive combinations such as valentine card, valentine message, and valentine candy.
The plural refers to multiple cards or messages; in the older sense of lovers or sweethearts, it means multiple beloved partners.
"The class exchanged valentines before the holiday."
Medieval poets helped turn Saint Valentine's feast into a lovers' day; the familiar story that birds choose mates on February 14 arose later as folklore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does valentine come from?
The word entered English through Old French valentin, a form of the name used for Saint Valentine; its Latin antecedent was Valentinus, a Roman personal and family name. Several early Christian saints bore this name, including the martyr whose feast was associated with February 14. The modern sense for a romantic card or message developed through the customs surrounding Valentine's Day, while names such as Valentina and Valentino continue the same Latin name tradition.
Related word forms
How valentine is actually used
In contemporary use, valentine usually denotes a Valentine's Day card or message. Capitalization varies: the capital form Valentine is traditional in some styles, while lowercase valentine is widely accepted as a common noun. The sense meaning a beloved person is now literary or old-fashioned.
Easily confused with valentine
Lowercase "valentine" is a common noun for a romantic card, message, or sweetheart, whereas capitalized "Valentine" is also a masculine given name and surname.