beau
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.”
How to use beau
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly romantic word for a woman's boyfriend or male admirer.
Feels dated or storybook-ish today — most people say "boyfriend" in everyday speech; "beau" turns up in fiction, older writing, or for humorous effect.
Word forms
beaued past tense, beaux plural, beaus plural, beaus singular
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for beau
See all rhymes for 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.
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