ENGLISH
REFERENCE

boyfriend

US //ˈbɔɪˌfɹɛnd// UK //bˈɔɪfɹɛnd// boyfriend
  1. 1 romantic partner (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a man or boy that you are in a romantic relationship with.

    a male partner in a romantic or sexual relationship outside of marriage.

    Example

    She invited her boyfriend to meet her parents for dinner on Saturday.

    Example

    After dating for several months, they decided to introduce their boyfriends to their respective social circles at the New Year's Eve party.
    Pitfall
    She is going out with her boy friend.
    She is going out with her boyfriend.

    Write 'boyfriend' as one word when referring to a romantic partner. Using two words ('boy friend') usually implies a male friend who is not a romantic partner.

  2. 2 clothing style (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe women's clothes that are loose and look like men's clothes.

    denoting a style of women's clothing designed to be loose-fitting or oversized, mimicking the cut of masculine garments.

    Example

    She wore a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans and a simple white t-shirt.

    Example

    The fashion editor noted that the boyfriend blazer remains a staple for achieving a relaxed yet professional silhouette in contemporary wardrobes.

    Usage

    Always used before a noun, such as 'boyfriend jeans' or 'boyfriend blazer'.
Origin

From boy + friend.

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