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

Her relationship with her boyfriend Ben (who happens to be an avid outdoorsman) has led her to believe certain things about herself, and has shaped her inner voice. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Ten days ago, Danica, 44, was partying in Ibiza with her new boyfriend. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Billie Eilish keeps it casual in a Green Bay cap and baggy shorts with her boyfriend Nat Wolff in Toronto on August 8. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026

Police said that around that time Stine disappeared, there were reports of blocks of concrete being removed from the home by the ex-boyfriend’s father. — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 11 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