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

Jada Pinkett Smith is seeking $49,000 in legal fees from her husband’s former best friend of 40 years after winning dismissal of his $3 million lawsuit. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Fallon even dared Coughlan to ask Dave Grohl — who is serving as musical guest with his band Foo Fighters — to be her best friend. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026

She’s aided immeasurably by the captivating chemistry between her and Daniel Petzold as Jo’s best friend, the similarly playful and witty neighbor, Laurie. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

Her best friend, a dog named Shaggy, was already at the daycare. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 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