boyfriend

noun

boy·​friend ˈbȯi-ˌfrend How to pronounce boyfriend (audio)
Synonyms of boyfriendnext
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

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.
Jocelyn's boyfriend Cornelius Green had been in Chicago for three days. Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026 Jenner, who has been a regular on the awards season circuit alongside boyfriend, Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, paired the shimmery red number with jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 Adrian Grenier recently discussed not being asked to return for The Devil Wears Prada 2 after playing Andy Sachs’ (Anne Hathaway) chef boyfriend Nate in the 2006 feature adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s novel. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 Snag Loft’s whimsical embroidered floral option on sale that celebrates spring blooms, or embrace vintage edge with this boyfriend-cut Levi’s 90s Trucker Jacket. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boyfriend

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of boyfriend was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Boyfriend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boyfriend. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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

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