beaux: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, Formal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “beaux” mean?
The plural form of 'beau,' meaning a fashionable young man, a male admirer, or boyfriend.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'beau,' meaning a fashionable young man, a male admirer, or boyfriend.
In historical contexts, can refer to stylish gentlemen or dandies of a particular period, especially the 18th century. Can also be used facetiously in modern contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and literary in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical novels or period dramas.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of historical or literary style, gentility, and sometimes mild irony or humour.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in set historical phrases or names (e.g., 'Beaux Arts').
Grammar
How to Use “beaux” in a Sentence
(of + PLACE/PERSON) - the beaux of London(possessive) - her beauxVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical or literary studies discussing social customs, fashion, or gender roles.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used humorously or in reference to a specific historical context.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beaux”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beaux”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beaux”
- Pronouncing the 'x' as /ks/ (correct: /z/).
- Using it as a singular noun (singular is 'beau').
- Misspelling as 'beaus' (also accepted, but 'beaux' is the traditional French plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, traditionally and specifically. It is the plural of 'beau,' meaning a male admirer or dandy.
Yes, 'beaus' is an accepted Anglicised plural. 'Beaux' is the original French plural form and is often preferred in literary contexts.
No, it is considered archaic or literary. You will most likely encounter it in historical fiction, classic literature, or humorous, old-fashioned references.
Perhaps in the term 'Beaux-Arts' (Fine Arts), an architectural style, or in historical novels describing the social scene of the 18th or 19th centuries.
The plural form of 'beau,' meaning a fashionable young man, a male admirer, or boyfriend.
Beaux is usually literary, formal, archaic in register.
Beaux: in British English it is pronounced /bəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /boʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beaux gestes (from French: beautiful gestures)”
- “Beaux yeux (from French: beautiful eyes)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'beaux' as 'bows' in a gentleman's hair (a historical fashion), but for plural 'beaus' with an X-tra French touch.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAN IS A DECORATIVE OBJECT (focus on fashion and appearance).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct pronunciation of 'beaux'?