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

People from around the world logged on to watch Ringley do her homework, brush her hair, masturbate, make out with her boyfriend. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 June 2026

The film follows Maddie (Early), a talented home cook whose career takes off after her boyfriend posts a video of her cooking in their pink kitchen. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 June 2026

Vanderhoef forced his way inside and stabbed the boyfriend. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

Though she was encouraged by her mother and boyfriend to turn her crocheting into a business, D'Agostini initially resisted the idea of creating what would eventually become By Winnie. — Aliyah Rodriguez, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 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