best friend

[ best frend ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of best friend¹

First recorded before 1000