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noun Uncommon

beau

BOH
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Beau (noun) means a boyfriend or male romantic partner, especially in slightly old-fashioned or playful use. Example: “She introduced her new beau to the family over dinner.”

noun
1
A boyfriend or male romantic partner, especially in slightly old-fashioned or playful use.
"She introduced her new beau to the family over dinner."
"The gossip columns loved speculating about the actress's latest beau."
2
A man known for dressing sharply and paying great attention to manners and style; a dandy.
"He was the beau of the ball, turned out in a perfectly tailored suit."

How to use beau

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly romantic word for a woman's boyfriend or male admirer.

When to use it

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

Common pairings
her latest beau a handsome beau court someone as a beau
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Word forms

Plural
beaux, beaus
Third person singular
beaus
Past tense
beaued
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She introduced her new _____ to the family over dinner.

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.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 beau joined the language around 1600.
abigail accommodation Amish Baroque berlin
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Synonyms

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

Related words

man person friend guy member dude fellow Joe

Rhymes for beau

au eau Tau pau Bau lau Mau Hau Yau Kau Frau luau
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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.

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