bae

¹ American  

[bey] / beɪ /

noun

1. an affectionate term used to address or refer to one’s girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, etc..

   I love you, bae.

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adjective

baeer, baeest

1. greatly admired or loved.

2. very cool; great.

   His accent is so totally bae!

BAE ² American  

1. Bureau of Agricultural Economics.

2. Bureau of American Ethnology.

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B.A.E. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering.

2. Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering.

3. Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.

4. Bachelor of Art Education.

5. Bachelor of Arts in Education.

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Sensitive Note

Like similar uses of babe and baby, the word bae may sometimes be disparaging or offensive when used to refer to someone considered attractive or when used to address a stranger or casual acquaintance.

Usage

What does bae mean? Bae is a slang term for one’s significant other or an object of affection, often used to address them, e.g., I love you, bae!

Etymology

Origin of bae

An Americanism first recorded in 2000–05; probably a shortening of babe or baby

Example Sentences

High-end restaurant openings are also multiplying, including the recent arrival of Turkish chef and influencer "Salt Bae" and his 285 euro steaks.

From Barron's

Shares of European defense contractors Thales, Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, and Leonardo were up 57% over the past 12 months, coming into Wednesday trading.

From Barron's

Defense stocks also spur the index higher, with BAE Systems climbing 3.5% and extending its year-to-date gains to over 22%.

From The Wall Street Journal

Local Unite organiser Ross Quinn said the striking staff, on average salaries of £50,000, were "crucial" to BAE's success.

From BBC

Defence giant BAE Systems has hailed record results for 2025 while staff at its Lancashire sites continue striking over pay.

From BBC