Definition of VALOR (original) (raw)
: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
Did you know?
Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.
Synonyms
Examples of valor in a Sentence
The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor. the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Medal of Honor is the United States military’s highest award for valor. —
Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025 No soldiers were punished, and many earned commendations for their valor. —Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor. —The Gazette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Jan. 2025 He also was awarded an Army Commendation Medal with valor. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for valor 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of valor was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near valor
Cite this Entry
“Valor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valor. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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