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

My best friend’s ex-girlfriend saw it and has invited herself to the party. —Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026

Make-ahead dishes, things that can be popped in the oven and come out ready to serve, and one-pot recipes are your best friend. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026

The Buccaneers also stars Alisha Boe as Conchita Closson and Josie Totah as Mabel Elmsworth, who round out the titular quintet of girl best friends. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026

That said, the empath’s best friend is having stringent boundaries. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 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