pal
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈpæɫ// UK //pˈæl// pal
n. a friend. You use this word when you want to sound friendly and casual, especially with men.
n. a close friend or companion. Informal in register; often used as a familiar term of address between males.
We have been best pals since we were kids.
He went down to the local pub to grab a drink with a few old school pals.
While the two politicians are fierce rivals on the debate stage, they have remained close personal pals behind the scenes for over thirty years.
Usage
Commonly used in British and Australian English; often appears in the compound 'pen pal'.