pal

1 of 2

noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

palship

ˈpal-ˌship 

noun

pal

2 of 2

verb

palled; palling

intransitive verb

: to be or become pals : associate as pals

they've palled around for years

Synonyms of pal

Noun

• friend
• buddy
• chum

Verb

• travel
• associate
• bond
• run
• hang (around or out)
• mix
• connect
• take up with
• rub shoulders (with)
• hook up
• mingle
• join
• company
• collaborate
• relate
• fall in with

Examples of pal in a Sentence

Noun

We've been pals since we were kids.

Come on—be a pal and lend me the money.

Verb

they began to pal around after discovering that they both had kids on the same soccer team

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Wear it as a one-and-done travel outfit, to chill around the house, or for brunch with pals. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 May 2026

He was also joined for the hour-long show by pals Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Jeff Daniels and Eminem. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 May 2026

And Colbert made the most of it, bringing on special cameos from pals like Tig Notaro, his original bandleader, and a certain lad from Liverpool. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 May 2026

Along with family and friends, Nashville pals such as Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Lauren Alaina, Jelly Roll and Ella Langley were in attendance. —Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Romani phral, phal brother, friend, from Sanskrit bhrātṛ brother; akin to Old English brōthor brother

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pal

• gal pal
• pal around with
• pal up
• pen pal

Rhymes for pal

• bal
• dal
• gal
• mal
• sal
• shall
• artisanal
• canal
• chorale
• corral
• locale
• morale

Kids Definition

pal

1 of 2 noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

pal

2 of 2 verb

palled; palling

: to be or become pals

Legal Definition

PAL

abbreviation

passive activity loss