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.
Topline President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s months-long friendship continued to devolve in spectacular fashion this week as the world’s richest man and the world’s most powerful man engaged in a brutal back-and-forth on their respective social media platforms and beyond. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Luckily, the bride didn't see the white dress as a betrayal to their friendship. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 June 2025 Maintaining friendships takes a lot of intention, experts said. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 But as the self-help routines become seductively dangerous, their friendship and courage are put to the test. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 June 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 Jul. 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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