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

It is militarily, politically and even intellectually enlightening, but is more deliberately about selflessness and valor, not an inappropriate offering for Veterans Day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

I mean, Reagan raves about the “impossible valor of the Poles,” “the forces of Free France” and the “unsurpassed courage of the Canadians.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2025

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

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2024

Her words sank into him like a barb and dragged him toward valor.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks

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