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

Tracestin Shepherd, who was on the trip, described Wells as one of his best friends. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Though the athlete left the city in 2000 to play soccer in Spain, the duo reconnected in 2005 when Messi flew home to comfort Roccuzzo after her best friend, Úrsula Notz, died in a car crash, according to Para Ti. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

His wife was Bruneau’s best friend, and the two women worked together as flight attendants. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Damon also opened up about his wife’s bond with his longtime best friend, Ben Affleck. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 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