billet-doux

noun

bil·​let-doux ˌbi-lē-ˈdü How to pronounce billet-doux (audio)
ˌbi-(ˌ)lā-
plural billets-doux ˌbi-lē-ˈdü(z) How to pronounce billet-doux (audio)
ˌbi-(ˌ)lā-
: a love letter

Did you know?

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

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near billet-doux

Cite this Entry

“Billet-doux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/billet-doux. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

billet-doux

noun
bil·​let-doux
ˌbil-ē-ˈdü,
ˌbil-(ˌ)ā-
plural billets-doux
-ˈdü(z)
: a love letter
Etymology

French, literally, "sweet letter"

More from Merriam-Webster on billet-doux

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!