# Valentino

/ˌvæɫənˈtinoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/valentino
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a man who is very handsome and successful at attracting women. It comes from the name of a famous silent movie star who was known as a great lover.

For teachers: a man who is exceptionally handsome and successful in romantic pursuits. Derived from the screen persona of the 1920s actor Rudolph Valentino; often used with a slightly ironic or old-fashioned tone.

## Examples

- He thinks he is a real Valentino with that new haircut.
- The older generation often referred to any charming young man in a suit as a Valentino, though the term has largely faded from modern speech.
- While the term once evoked the peak of cinematic masculinity, calling someone a Valentino today usually implies a certain performative or dated style of romantic pursuit.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the indefinite article ('a Valentino') or as a proper noun when referring to the historical figure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.