billet-doux

billet-doux
noun

Synonyms of billet-doux
: a love letter

Did you know?
When love is in the air, it's time to put it down on paper. If you ever find yourself having trouble thinking of Valentine's Day or anniversary gift ideas, how about sending your sweetie pie a billet-doux that reminds them of your perfect meet-cute, or invites them to see the latest rom-com? Wouldn’t that be sweet? In French, billet doux means "sweet letter." English writers first fell in love with the word during the 17th century and have been committed to using it as a romantic alternative to "love letter" ever since.

Word History
Etymology
French billet doux, literally, sweet letter

First Known Use
1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of billet-doux was in 1673
See more words from the same year
Articles Related to billet-doux

Dictionary Entries Near billet-doux
billet

billet-doux

billethead

Cite this Entry
Style

MLA
“Billet-doux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/billet-doux. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition
billet-doux

noun
bil·;let-doux ;bil-;-;d;, ;bil-(;);-
pluralbillets-doux -;d;(z)
: a love letter
Etymology
French, literally, "sweet letter"


More from Merriam-Webster on billet-doux
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for billet-doux

Last Updated: 14 Feb 2025 - Updated Did you know?
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Merriam-Webster unabridged