beau

12 synonyms for beau, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A boyfriend or male romantic partner, especially in slightly old-fashioned or playful use.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

dude boyfriend fellow

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

sweetheart dandy swell

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

suitor fop gallant clotheshorse sheik swain

How to use beau

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

her latest beau a handsome beau court someone as a beau

Feels dated or storybook-ish today — most people say "boyfriend" in everyday speech; "beau" turns up in fiction, older writing, or for humorous effect.

Etymology

From French beau, "handsome" or "fine," going back to Latin bellus ("beautiful"). English borrowed it whole in the 17th century for a fashionable man, and it later softened into the word for a boyfriend or suitor.

Full origin of beau →

Frequently asked questions

What does “beau” mean?

The word “beau” means a boyfriend or male romantic partner, especially in slightly old-fashioned or playful use. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, slightly romantic word for a woman's boyfriend or male admirer.

How do you pronounce “beau”?

“Beau” is pronounced BOH (/ˈboʊ̯/ in IPA).

How do you use “beau” in a sentence?

Here is “beau” used in a sentence: “She introduced her new beau to the family over dinner.”

What part of speech is “beau”?

“Beau” is a noun.

Where does the word “beau” come from?

The word “beau” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin. From French beau, "handsome" or "fine," going back to Latin bellus ("beautiful"). English borrowed it whole in the 17th century for a fashionable man, and it later softened into the word for a boyfriend or suitor.

Is “beau” a common word?

“Beau” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “beau” have?

“Beau” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a boyfriend or male romantic partner, especially in slightly old-fashioned or playful use.

What is the difference between a "beau" and a "boyfriend"?

"Beau" is an old-fashioned or playful word for a boyfriend or male romantic partner, carrying a slightly more romantic or courtly tone than the everyday word "boyfriend." It's less common in modern speech and is often used for lighthearted effect.

Is "beau" a formal or old-fashioned word?

Beau is generally considered old-fashioned or playful rather than formal, often used in a nostalgic or humorous way rather than in serious or professional writing. It evokes an earlier era of courtship.

What does "beau" mean when it doesn't refer to a boyfriend?

Beau can also describe a man known for dressing sharply and paying close attention to manners and style, essentially a dandy. This sense focuses on fashion and refined behavior rather than romance.

People also searched

dude fellow boyfriend sweetheart swell dandy gallant sheik fop swain suitor clotheshorse

Nearby words

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