pal

1 of 2

noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

palship

ˈpal-ˌship 

noun

pal

2 of 2

verb

palled; palling

intransitive verb

: to be or become pals : associate as pals

they've palled around for years

Synonyms

Noun

• alter ego
• amigo
• buddy
• chum
• compadre
• comrade
• confidant
• confidante
• crony
• familiar
• friend
• intimate
• mate [chiefly British]
• musketeer

Verb

• associate
• chum
• company
• consociate
• consort
• fraternize
• hang (around or out)
• hobnob
• hook up
• mess around
• run
• sort
• travel

Examples of pal in a Sentence

Noun

We've been pals since we were kids.

Come on—be a pal and lend me the money.

Verb

they began to pal around after discovering that they both had kids on the same soccer team

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That said, someone’s emotional wounds may need more than a bandage from a pal. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024

Just take it from the millions of families, couples, and relaxation-seeking groups of pals who catch rays on the sandy beaches and hit the boardwalks each summer. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2024

So what’s worse: Homelander making The Deep eat his octopus pal Timothy in Season 3, or The Deep letting Ambrosius die? —Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 11 July 2024

Over time, these fuzzy pals pick up dust, pollen, dirt and an array of allergens—which means that beloved toy can spread bacteria and germs. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Romani phral, phal brother, friend, from Sanskrit bhrātṛ brother; akin to Old English brōthor brother

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pal

• gal pal
• pal around with
• pal up
• pen pal

Kids Definition

pal

1 of 2 noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

pal

2 of 2 verb

palled; palling

: to be or become pals

Legal Definition

PAL

abbreviation

passive activity loss