beau

Beau is a noun in English that refers to a male admirer or boyfriend. It typically denotes a man who is the romantic partner or escort of a woman, especially in historical, social, or literary contexts. The plural forms beaus and beaux are used; beaus is common in English, while beaux preserves the French plural. The word is usually pronounced as /boʊ/ (like bow).

Etymology and usage: The term comes from Old French beau, meaning beautiful or handsome, itself derived from Latin bellus. It entered English in the 16th century and has retained a somewhat formal or antiquated tone. A related expression, the beau monde, denotes fashionable or upper-class society, underscoring the word’s associations with social status and courtship.

Beau as a name: In modern usage, Beau is a masculine given name in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Notable people include actor Beau Bridges and Beau Biden, the late son of U.S. president Joe Biden. The word can also appear in surnames or in place names formed from the same root, though its use as a given name is the most common contemporary appearance.