girlfriends
n. countable A2 Elementary US //ˈɡɝɫˌfɹɛndz// UK //ɡˈɜːlfɹɛndz// girl·friends
n. the female friends of a person, or the women that people are in a romantic relationship with.
n. Plural form of the term for a female partner in a romantic relationship or a female friend. Often used by women to refer to their close female social circle.
She is going out for dinner with her girlfriends tonight.
After the breakup, her girlfriends supported her by bringing over movies and snacks every weekend.
The sociological study examined how adult women maintain their identities through consistent social interaction with their girlfriends, providing emotional labor that partners often do not.
Usage
The plural form of 'girlfriend'; when used by women, it typically refers to platonic friends rather than romantic partners.