girl next door

American  

[gurl nekst dawr] / ˈgɜrl ˌnɛkst ˈdɔr /

noun

1. a girl or woman who exemplifies traditional or old-fashioned norms of behavior, gender, and beauty, and is generally considered to be pleasant, unassuming, familiar, and uncontroversial (often used attributively).

   People still think of me as that goody-goody girl next door.

   The actresses, with their girl next door image, make audiences swoon with their big smiles and friendly eyes.

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Etymology

Origin of girl next door

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

girl next door

Diane Keaton may have looked like the All-American girl next door, but she could knock someone twice her size flat out of the ring.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025

The brunette poses for photos and showcases a fully AI-generated comedy sketch, where it is described as having "girl next door vibes."

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2025

Matt is ambitious, determined to be grown up and hopelessly in love with the girl next door.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 1, 2024

Jennifer Aniston is one of those celebrities who has remained a constant cultural figure in entertainment through her decades-long career as a '90s girl next door.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2023

Through the window, I notice Mom’s gone and the girl next door is in her yard with Ryan Deschaine.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord

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