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

“So your best friends are Black and you live in the ‘hood.

From Los Angeles Times

Her boyfriend, Liam, and her best friend, Amber, are working there, too —assisting the art and music teachers.

From Literature

When the strikes hit and the news confirmed Khamenei was dead, I was in Brooklyn with my best friend.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Heated Rivalry” stans applauded the actor’s good-natured handling of the situation and flipped over the unannounced but entirely expected appearances by his co-star and best friend, Hudson Williams.

From Salon

"We were like sisters and best friends," she said.

From BBC