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

Alavi is the only woman from the programme to have successfully opened a business so far, with her best friend's support, bringing great pride to those around her.

From Barron's

Her best friend had made the transition from track to bobsled, was looking for a brake woman, and convinced Michelle to give it a try.

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine the trash talk that might be transpiring with Lappe on second base talking to Brooks, one of his best friends who plays shortstop.

From Los Angeles Times

“We just kept going. And when one person has a good day, somehow that helps pull the next person up. Like, ‘OK, my best friend just did that.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Clark saves his greater and greatest loves—his best friend and the woman he loves, respectively—for last.

From The Wall Street Journal