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.
Her demeaning behavior toward her boyfriend makes the letter writer reconsider their friendship. — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 The slouchy boyfriend fit is ideal for layering over thick, cozy sweaters. — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026 Rashaun married her boyfriend Kyle Rehn on Valentine’s Day this year. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026 The 51-year-old former reality star took to TikTok on Thursday to celebrate her boyfriend Steve Neild’s birthday, and got support from her fans in the comments section. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 24 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 27 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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