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

Hatami has spearheaded a number of high-profile cases against child abusers in Los Angeles, California, including the murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, who was tortured and killed by his mother and her boyfriend. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Last week, Panettiere’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson — who had called 911 and was present when the actress was found dead — issued a statement through his lawyer. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026

Breana Barber wanted to throw her boyfriend, Eric, a surprise party for his 30th birthday in Liberty Township, Ohio. — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

The film stars Birgit Minichmayr as a mother who loses her daughter Jesse in a tragic event and then struggles to cope with her grief and her complicated relationship to her younger daughter and Jesse’s boyfriend, who many blame for her death. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 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