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

Sweeney brought along a couple of pals, including new boyfriend Scooter Braun. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

The caller turns out to be the boyfriend of Amanda (Amelia Campbell), Ron's mousy coworker. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025

The Duffys held on to the family home for nearly four years after their mother died, selling their mother’s diamond ring and a luxury watch from Sheri’s old boyfriend to make ends meet. —Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

The other belonged to her sister's boyfriend. —Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 30 Nov. 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