valor

American

[val-er] / ˈvæl ər /

especially British, valour

noun

boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.

a medal for valor.

Synonyms:

spirit, intrepidity

Antonyms:

cowardice

valor Idioms

see discretion is the better part of valor.

Related Words

See courage.

Etymology

Origin of valor

1350–1400; Middle English valo ( u ) r < Anglo-French; Middle French valeur < Late Latin valōr-, stem of valor worth, equivalent to Latin val ( ēre ) to be of worth + -or -or ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a marine, Mueller earned a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

Mr. Le Tellier became obsessed with excavating the past of this unknown man, an inquiry that poignantly revives the valor and tragedy of World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

The story of his valor spread widely a year after he was killed, when Anderson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

Hitler was a former frontline soldier, twice wounded and decorated for valor.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2024

All around the sides of the stone were detailed carvings, depicting scenes from Martin’s life: deeds of valor and works of skillful healing.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023