best friend

noun

plural best friends
1
: a person's closest and dearest friend
She's my best friend.
We have been best friends since high school.
2
: a person's most desirable or valuable possession or resource
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but gold is more affordable.—William Giese
Lycra-cotton leggings and tunic tops are the pregnant woman's best friend, sartorially speaking.—Anne Reeks
When cops bang on the door, the toilet is a drug dealer's best friend.—Frederick Kaufman

Examples of best friend in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Miller has also made headlines this year amid the drama surrounding her best friend and castmate Amanda Batula’s relationship with West Wilson, Miller’s ex and another Summer House star. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 She and her best friend, Maya McGhee-Nelson, were shot outside the school in an incident of youth gun violence. — CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 But no other moments in the show cut as close to the bone as the recollections of Crystal’s longtime best friend, Rob Reiner. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 Jetting over to Gotham City for a quick talk show appearance to promote an upcoming project, Hagen and his fellow actor/childhood best friend Corey (Joshua James) decide to hit the clubs. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for best friend

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of best friend was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing best friend

Rhymes for best friend

See All Rhymes for best friend

Browse Nearby Words

best foot
best friend
best girl
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Cite this Entry

“Best friend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/best%20friend. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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