boyfriend

noun

boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend 

1

: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

2

usually boy friend dated : a friend who is a boy

often, specifically : a male friend from childhood

… was a boy friend of [Abraham] Lincoln in Kentucky …

—Joseph Medill, quoted in McClure's Magazine

Synonyms of boyfriend

• beau
• boy
• husband

Examples of boyfriend in a Sentence

My boyfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months.

her boyfriend always brings her flowers for Valentine's Day

Recent Examples on the Web

One of her pieces, simply titled SAM, is an evocative sketch of her royal boyfriend, once displayed at The Gallery at Green & Stone’s summer exhibition. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026

In the post, Trinity tagged not just Zach but all her fellow finalists, including her boyfriend Bryce Dettloff, Melanie Moreno, Aniya Harvey, and Zach’s maybe-situationship, Kayda Bosse. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 July 2026

The place is a time capsule with sketchy internet service, drunken frat boys, and — most crucially — Faye’s college boyfriend Henry, who is now married with two kids and still lives in the area. — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

In the closeness of the moment, their seeming friendship allows Jérôme to tell Claire that her boyfriend might be cheating on her. — André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for boyfriend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend
• descend

Kids Definition

boyfriend

noun

boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend 

1

: a male friend

2

: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic relationship