best friend

American  

[best frend] / ˈbɛst ˈfrɛnd /

noun

1. a person’s closest or most cherished friend.

   Sheila has been my best friend since we were seven.

   Synonyms:

   bosom friend, bosom buddy, bff, bf, bestie

2. something that a person particularly depends on or has a special affection for.

   A purple, stuffed armadillo was my best friend and companion through my whole childhood.

3. something considered or suggested to be particularly useful or valuable.

   When it comes to saving for retirement, compound interest is your new best friend.

   Your local piano tuner could be your best friend when buying a piano.

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Etymology

Origin of best friend

First recorded before 1000

Example Sentences

Two best friends who grew up on the same street have said they are "doing their dream job" after they were both chosen by Simon Cowell to join new boyband, December 10.

From BBC

He described himself as Epstein’s “best friend,” the documents showed, and opened many doors for him.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ezra lived three houses up the block and had been Janie’s best friend since before Bat was born.

From Literature

My best friend Jeb and I used to sit at that crossroads when we were younger, waiting for something interesting to come along, like an automobile or a circus wagon.

From Literature

Now even my best friend is mad at me.

From Literature