pen pal

noun

Synonyms of pen palnext
: a friend made and kept through correspondence

Examples of pen pal in a Sentence

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.
In the fifth book in the series, To Sir Phillip, With Love, Eloise becomes pen pal with Sir Philip Crane and eventually falls in love with him. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 28 Jan. 2026 Although their transition from pen pals to partners is a rocky one, this is a Julia Quinn book, so a happy ending is guaranteed. Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026 Amy, 28, who lives in the United Kingdom, had been pen pals with a girl named Hana from Egypt after the two connected through an online forum in the early 2000s. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 The story follows the evolution of the friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie, who meet as children and go from pen pals to roommates to romantic rivals. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pen pal

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pen pal was in 1925

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pen pal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20pal. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pen pal

noun
: a friend made and kept through letter-writing

More from Merriam-Webster on pen pal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!