girlfriend

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Alternative spellings 1.3.3 See also 1.3.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From girl + friend.

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• IPA: /ɡəːlˌfrɛnd/
• Hyphenation: girl‧friend

[edit] Noun

girlfriend (plural girlfriends)

1. A female partner in a romantic relationship.

   Marc was so repulsive that he knew even a robot programmed to be his girlfriend would reject him.

2. A female friend.

   Mary always enjoyed hanging out with her girlfriend Jessica.

[edit] Usage notes

• The term is used to describe any girl or woman in a romantic relationship with another person.
• An older woman in such a non-marital relationship is sometimes described instead as a significant other or partner, especially if the two partners are living together. At times, since girlfriend and partner mean different things to different people, the distinctions between the terms are subjective, and which term is used in a relationship will ultimately be determined by personal preference.

[edit] Alternative spellings

• girl friend
• girl-friend

[edit] See also

female partner in a romantic relationship

• boyfriend
• fiancée
• lover
• partner
• significant other
• sweetheart
• wife
• lady friend

a female friend

• boyfriend
• buddy
• friend
• pal

[edit] Translations