fam

1 of 2

noun

ˈfam 

plural fams

1

informal : family

… holds poolside family "challenges" where winning fams score free nights at the resort.

—Parenting School Years

The whole fam stepped out for the bash, including Caitlyn Jenner (who's reportedly estranged from the Kardashian side of the family).

—Isabel Jones

2

slang : a close friend

—used especially as a form of address

"Yo, fam, check it out." Mars points at the children's playground adjacent to the McDonald's.

—Jeff Zentner

But Jaime doesn't care. He's all "nah, fam. This is all I got."

—Ben Gaspin

fam

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

familiar

2

family

Examples of fam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Also, Miley’s cool with Elizabeth Hurley as a new member of the extended fam. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 June 2025

Experiences to enjoy together include from scavenger hunts and quesadilla-making classes to bountiful breakfasts at a giant live-edge wood table at Rancho Lola, where all members of the fam can eat and drink their hearts out before petting the farm animals and planting a tree together. —Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 16 May 2025

There’s also a rooftop terrace with an open-air cinema, and a private karaoke room for up to 10 people—for a fun night with the whole fam. —Celeste Moure, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025

In the club, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 star Suzie Toot’s peers are definitely not all fam. —EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

fam

abbreviation

family