girlfriend

noun

girl·​friend ˈgər(-ə)l-ˌfrend How to pronounce girlfriend (audio)
Synonyms of girlfriendnext
1
: a female friend
2
: a frequent or regular female companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

Synonyms of girlfriend

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Examples of girlfriend in a Sentence

My girlfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months. She spends hours talking on the phone with her girlfriends.
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.
Bradley’s girlfriend said Buchanan, her relative, had stayed there for two months. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026 And Kelce credited the tour for, well, getting him a girlfriend. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The athlete reportedly made sure that his girlfriend felt spoiled. — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 3 July 2026 His agent, girlfriend and teammates, like Rojas, also helped Alfonzo approach the game calmly. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for girlfriend

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of girlfriend was in 1859

Rhymes for girlfriend

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Browse Nearby Words

girl Friday
girlfriend
Girl Guide
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Cite this Entry

“Girlfriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/girlfriend. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

girlfriend

noun
girl·​friend ˈgər(-ə)l-ˌfrend How to pronounce girlfriend (audio)
1
: a female friend
2
: a regular female companion in a romantic relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on girlfriend

Nglish: Translation of girlfriend for Spanish Speakers

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