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.
When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks. — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 In December, Miley and her rocker boyfriend of more than four years, Maxx Morando, announced they were engaged. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 That’s what happened after the first trial of Karen Read over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, ended due to a hung jury. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Pressly has twin sons with her longtime boyfriend Hamzi Hijazi, according to People. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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