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Synonyms

girlfriend

American  
[gurl-frend] / ˈgɜrlˌfrɛnd /
Or girl friend

noun

  1. a frequent or favorite female companion; sweetheart.

  2. a female friend.


girlfriend British  
/ ˈɡɜːlˌfrɛnd /

noun

  1. a female friend with whom a man or boy is romantically or sexually involved; sweetheart

  2. any female friend

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of girlfriend

First recorded in 1855–60; girl + friend

Compare meaning

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Vocabulary lists containing girlfriend

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The flowers, the dog, my girlfriend singing to the ocean,” Faena said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

It sounds, from what you say in your letter, like your husband wants a girlfriend, not a wife.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

"The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim's girlfriend," a statement added.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

An arbitrator has sided with former Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt, saying in a preliminary ruling that he was not guilty of sexual assault against his former girlfriend and business partner Michelle Ritter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

“But, Lena, you haven’t gotten the chance yet to meet...” said Molly loudly, hoping that her old girlfriend would change the topic of conversation.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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