a close relationship between people who like, trust, and support one another
Their friendship began in kindergarten and lasted a lifetime.
Thanks to social media, our long-distance friendship stayed strong.
✦ Old English frēondscipe, from frēond (friend) + -scipe (-ship, state or condition).
a feeling of goodwill and mutual support between people, groups, or nations
The treaty was signed to promote friendship between the two countries.
Sports can build friendship across cultures.
✦ Same origin as Sense 1: Old English frēondscipe.
a person you know well, like, and trust
Lina invited her best friend to spend the weekend at her house.
After moving to a new school, Jake quickly made two friends.
✦ Old English “frēond” meaning “one attached to another by feelings of personal regard.”
a contact you add or follow on a social media platform
I just accepted your request, so now we’re friends on the photo-sharing app.
He has over a thousand friends on his gaming profile.
to add someone to your list of friends on a social network
Feel free to friend me on the language-learning app.
She friended her classmates so they could share project ideas.
a member of the Religious Society of Friends, also called a Quaker
George Fox was a well-known Friend in 17th-century England.
The local meeting welcomed a traveling Friend from Ireland.
✦ Used since the 1650s to describe followers of a Christian movement that emphasized inner light and equality.
a female friend, especially one woman’s close female companion
On Saturday, Carla had lunch with her best girlfriend from college.
Whenever I need advice, I call a girlfriend to talk things through.
✦ Extension of the romantic sense; in North American English from the mid-20th century, women began using girlfriend to mean a close female friend.
a male partner in a romantic or dating relationship
Maria introduced her new boyfriend at the family dinner.
Sam and his boyfriend are planning a trip to Japan.
✦ From boy + friend; first attested in the late 19th century.
(dated) a male companion or close male friend, without implying a romantic relationship
In her letters, Emily called Charles her trusty boyfriend who always helped with chores.
The sailor wrote of adventures shared with his boyfriend during their years at sea.
✦ Same origin as sense 1; earlier usage did not necessarily imply romance.
