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

In the new story Percy (Walker Scobell) sets out on a journey to find his best friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and the magical Golden Fleece, which might just help him save Camp Halfblood. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Owen's best friend, Khloe Wilson, was suspected of sending the messages early in the investigation due to past tensions with Lauryn and bullying accusations. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025

Ali Wong plays Sasha, a celebrity chef, while Randall Park plays her former best friend and high school hookup, Marcus, who still lives in their hometown. —James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

That is my best friend, my assistant, my email writer—everything. —Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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