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

Samari has been her best friend for nearly two decades. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

Ferguson’s journey was in honor of his best friend’s dad, Russell Campbell, who took his own life when Ferguson was in his early teens. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

Started by three best friends in 2016, the shop now has six locations and more than 200 rotating flavors, including dairy-free options. —Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026

Ronnie Schell, who played Gomer Pyle's best friend on the CBS sitcom, has died at the age of 94. —Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing best friend

• man's best friend

Rhymes for best friend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend