boyfriend

noun

boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend How to pronounce boyfriend (audio)
1
: a male friend
2
: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Karen Read’s second murder trial entered its fifth week of witness testimony as prosecutors continue to build their case against the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Greater Salt Lake police officers responded to a call from a Millcreek home that a man and his six family members had been held against their will by their pregnant daughter's boyfriend, Garcia. Charna Flam, People.com, 20 May 2025 Of course, her obnoxious boyfriend, Harris (Josh Macqueen), whose family owns most of the real estate in town, isn’t exactly pleased with Zac’s presence. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 May 2025 At the party, Steven and Taylor almost kiss, but her boyfriend shows up and tries to fight Steven. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for boyfriend

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boyfriend was in 1822

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boyfriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boyfriend. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

boyfriend

noun
boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend How to pronounce boyfriend (audio)
1
: a male friend
2
: a frequent or regular male companion in a romantic relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on boyfriend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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