VocabDictionary

boyfriend

/ˈbɔɪ.frend/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A male person with whom someone has a romantic or sexual relationship.

Example Sentences:
  • She is going to the movies with her boyfriend tonight.
  • He has been dating his boyfriend for over three years.
2.noun

A male friend (often used by children or in a platonic sense, though less common in modern usage).

Example Sentences:
  • The little boy introduced his best friend as his boyfriend from school.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “boyfriend”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The word is a compound of the Middle English 'boy' (a male child or servant, of uncertain origin) and 'friend' (from Old English 'frēond', meaning one attached to another by affection). It emerged in the late 19th century to describe a male companion with whom one has a romantic or sexual relationship.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

A 'boy' who is more than just a 'friend'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “boyfriend

1. What is the meaning of “boyfriend” in English?

In English, boyfriend (noun) is defined as: “A male person with whom someone has a romantic or sexual relationship.”.

2. How do you use “boyfriend” in a sentence?

She is going to the movies with her boyfriend tonight.

3. What are English synonyms of “boyfriend”?

Common synonyms include:partner,beau,significant other,companion

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “boyfriend”?

The word is a compound of the Middle English 'boy' (a male child or servant, of uncertain origin) and 'friend' (from Old English 'frēond', meaning one attached to another by affection). It emerged in the late 19th century to describe a male companion with whom one has a romantic or sexual relationship.