girlfriend

or girl friend

[ gurl-frend ]

noun

1. a frequent or favorite female companion; sweetheart.
2. a female friend.

girlfriend

/ ˈɡɜːlˌfrɛnd /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of girlfriend¹

First recorded in 1855–60; girl + friend

Example Sentences

She showed them to her parents and was relieved when they accepted her relationship with her girlfriend, Zhang Shumei.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Bush had planned to spend that evening with his girlfriend and then Christmas with his family in Brecon.

From BBC

The "dynamics" of their close friendship began to change when Mr Bush got a girlfriend and was planning to move in with her.

From BBC

Mr Bush told his girlfriend it had left him feeling scared.

From BBC

In late October, Mr Bush had told his girlfriend Ella Jeffries that he had barricaded himself into his bedroom one evening after a discussion with Mr Thomas.

From BBC

Related Words

• companion
• friend
• partner
• sweetheart