billet-doux
noun
bil·let-doux ˌbi-lē-ˈdü 
ˌbi-(ˌ)lā-
plural billets-doux ˌbi-lē-ˈdü(z)
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
billet-doux
noun
as in letter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- letter
- open letter
- epistle
- memorandum
- mail
- missive
- postcard
- dispatch
- memo
- postal card
- electronic mail
- airmail
- card
- junk mail
- communication
- e-mail
- note
- report
- encyclical