buddy system

noun

Definition of buddy system

: an arrangement in which two individuals are paired (as for mutual safety in a hazardous situation)

Recent Examples of buddy system from the Web

When other elderly women are murdered, Bernard and a few of the other men suggest the single retirees start a buddy system and live together, at least for a while, for safety.

— oline h. cogdill, Philly.com, "'Other Side of Everything': Generations, a neighborhood on the skids, and festering hatreds," 26 Mar. 2018
Top three holiday survival tips ▪ Find a workout partner: Using the buddy system works wonders for staying consistent.

— jason wanlass, idahostatesman, "A feel-good gift: Great exercises to squeeze into your holiday schedule," 15 Dec. 2017
The boardroom buddy system was virtually unheard of five years ago, governance specialists say.

— joann s. lublin, WSJ, "Boards Try Buddy System to Get Newcomers Up to Speed," 18 Sep. 2017
Down in the depths, six-member crews practice exploring a new world, using such strategies as buddy systems, moving slowly and deliberately through a challenging environment, and carefully planning what to bring to keep themselves safe.

— philip toledano, National Geographic, "8 Amazing Places You Can Visit ‘Mars’ on Earth," 12 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buddy system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.