penfriend

See also: pen-friend and pen friend

English

Etymology

pen +‎ friend

Noun

penfriend (plural penfriends)

1. A person, often in a foreign country, with whom one exchanges friendly correspondence but whom one never or rarely meets.
   • 1988 May 7, Jeff Hershberger, “Personal advertisement”, in Gay Community News, page 13:

     I would like a penfriend, not for financial support or headgames, but just for a caring conversation.

Synonyms

• pen pal

Translations

person with whom one exchanges letters — see pen pal