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

Carole Radziwill, Anthony’s wife and one of Carolyn’s best friends (in addition to a future Real Housewife of New York), continues to be glaringly absent. —Lisa Depaulo, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

This is Nicole Kidman’s high school best friend,’ or whatever, right? —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026

Nina’s Puppy Play Date Play dates aren’t just for kids JJ—and sometimes your best friend is also your pet. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026

Chesterton sophomore Bradly Basila’s best friend is 7,000 miles away. —Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 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