friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship How to pronounce friendship (audio)
1
: the state of being friends
they have a long-standing friendship
2
: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness
the friendship shown him by his coworkers
3
obsolete : aid

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries They have enjoyed many years of friendship. He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.
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.
Make your friendships more romantic and your romances more friendly, Aries. Colin Bedell, Them., 2 May 2025 To be honest, this movie is a bit too treacly for my taste, but the four main actresses’ enduring friendship warms my millennial heart. Lizzie Logan, Vulture, 2 May 2025 The pair, both living on the fringes of society in their Connecticut town, form an unexpected friendship that leads the teen on a journey of self-discovery. Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 May 2025 The kind that shapes not only his lyrics and melodies, but also his friendships, his fatherhood, his vision. Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for friendship

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of friendship was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friendship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friendship. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

friendship

noun
friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship How to pronounce friendship (audio)
: the state of being friends

More from Merriam-Webster on friendship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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