ˈvalən.ˌtīn, dial ˈväl- or ˈvȯl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, after Saint Valentine 's Day
1. : a sweetheart chosen or complimented on St. Valentine's Day : one's beloved
2. dialect Britain : one of a number of folded papers containing a name to be drawn as a valentine
3.
a. : something sent or given especially to a sweetheart on St. Valentine's Day ; specifically : an ornamental engraved or printed greeting of a mock sentimental or comic character sent often anonymously on this day
b. : a piece of writing or a literary work expressing praise or affection for something
toss a nostalgic valentine to his Bronx boyhood in his novel — Time
— usually used with to
one of the finest American plays … is a radiant personal mirror of life and a valentine to humanity — T.J.Panter
this valentine to the pioneer jazz-makers of the Twenties — Lee Rogow
4. usually capitalized : love song