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

Watching fireworks, swimming with the fam, and enjoying the smell of nearby barbecue—does the 4th of July weekend get any better? —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 2 July 2025

Lizzo has also shared progress pictures of her glow up over the past year with her social media fam. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 20 June 2025

All love to Miley and the fam… even when the rewrites get this creative. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 19 June 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

fam

abbreviation

family