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noun Uncommon

Valentino

va-luhn-TEE-noh

Valentino (noun) means a strikingly handsome, romantic-looking man, especially one who resembles the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino. Example: “He strode in looking like a valentino in his tailored suit.”

noun
1
A strikingly handsome, romantic-looking man, especially one who resembles the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino.
"He strode in looking like a valentino in his tailored suit."
2
Informal: a gigolo, especially one supported financially by an older woman.
"Rumours swirled that he was little more than her valentino."

How to use Valentino

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dashing, romantic-looking man — sometimes used with a negative edge to mean a kept man.

When to use it

The "gigolo" sense is informal and slightly dated.

Word forms

Valentinos plural, Valentinoes plural, Valentinos plural

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Test yourself on “Valentino” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He strode in looking like a _____ in his tailored suit.

Etymology

From the surname of Italian-American actor Rudolph Valentino (1895–1926), famed for his romantic leading-man roles.

Origin: Italian · First attested 1895

Class of 1895 Valentino joined the language around 1895.
See the full Class of 1895 →

Rhymes for Valentino

See all rhymes for Valentino →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Valentino” mean?

The word “Valentino” means a strikingly handsome, romantic-looking man, especially one who resembles the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino. In plain terms, a dashing, romantic-looking man — sometimes used with a negative edge to mean a kept man.

How do you pronounce “Valentino”?

“Valentino” is pronounced va-luhn-TEE-noh (/ˌvælənˈtiːnoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Valentino” in a sentence?

Here is “Valentino” used in a sentence: “He strode in looking like a valentino in his tailored suit.”

What part of speech is “Valentino”?

“Valentino” is a noun.

Where does the word “Valentino” come from?

The word “Valentino” dates back to around 1895 and comes from Italian. From the surname of Italian-American actor Rudolph Valentino (1895–1926), famed for his romantic leading-man roles.

Is “Valentino” a common word?

“Valentino” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Valentino” have?

“Valentino” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strikingly handsome, romantic-looking man, especially one who resembles the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino.

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