English · Word Candidate

beau

/ˈbəʊ̯/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: beaux · beaus · beauing · beaued

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.

NounRegister: dated

Examples

“[…]—I suppose your brother was quite a beau, Miss Dashwood, before he married, as he was so rich?” “Upon my word,” replied Elinor, “I cannot tell you, for I do not perfectly comprehend the meaning of the word. But this I can say, that if he ever was a beau before he married, he is one still, for th

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A male lover; a boyfriend.

NounRegister: US, dated

Examples

Hannah's beau takes all her time 'n' thought, and when she gits a husband her mother'll be out o' sight and out o' mind.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To act as a beau (towards); to court or woo.

Verb

Examples

“[…] And now to think that Laura’s teaching school, and Almanzo Wilder’s beauing her home.” ”Oh, no! He isn’t!” Laura cried out. “It isn’t like that at all. He came for me as a favor to Pa.”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “beau” mean?

A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.

Is “beau” formal or informal?

beau is generally dated.

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