boyfriend

noun

boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend How to pronounce boyfriend (audio)
Synonyms of boyfriendnext
1
: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship
2
usually boy friend dated : a friend who is a boy
often, specifically : a male friend from childhood
… was a boy friend of [Abraham] Lincoln in Kentucky … —Joseph Medill, quoted in McClure's Magazine

Synonyms of boyfriend

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Examples of boyfriend in a Sentence

My boyfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months. her boyfriend always brings her flowers for Valentine's Day
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Professional dancer Emma Slater is speaking out in defense of boyfriend Alan Bersten. — Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2026 Bystanders called the police Tuesday afternoon after allegedly witnessing Califia assault her boyfriend, although both denied any domestic violence took place, according to the police report. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi continued their date night, mingling with fellow guests, including Timothée Chalamet, boyfriend of Jenner’s younger sister Kylie, who also attempted to go incognito in a baseball cap and baggy shorts. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026 Sienna Miller was seen stepping out in London’s SoHo neighborhood this Friday with boyfriend Oli Green while sporting the perfect pair of boots for the transition from fall to winter. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boyfriend

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of boyfriend was in 1822

Rhymes for boyfriend

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Browse Nearby Words

Boyer
boyfriend
Boyg
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Cite this Entry

“Boyfriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boyfriend. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boyfriend

noun
boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend How to pronounce boyfriend (audio)
1
: a male friend
2
: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic relationship
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