What does the word valentine mean?

The word comes from the name of St. Valentine of Rome, priest and martyr, who is the patron saint of lovers. The holiday "Valentine's Day" (St. Valentine's Day) is celebrated annually on February 14.

A valentine may be:

1. a card, message, token, or gift (usually amatory or sentimental but sometimes satirical or comical) sent by one person to another on Valentine's Day, sometimes anonymously.
2. a person, a sweetheart chosen or greeted on the day
3. a written or other artistic work, message, or essay expressing affection for something or someone: His photographic essay is a valentine to Paris.