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

Denim has taken up more space in her wardrobe since her NFL boyfriend Braxton Barrios was traded to the Houston Texans in March. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025

Remember how Maia has a boyfriend? —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025

Max arrives home to find that his boyfriend has booked a callback. —Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2025

Investigators alleged in court proceedings that Ramirez's boyfriend, Jesus Varela, is suspected of killing her, per KPRC 2 and Fox 26 Houston. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025

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