Buddy: meaning, definitions and examples

👫
Add to dictionary

buddy

 

[ ˈbʌdi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

friendship

A buddy is a close friend or companion. This term is often used informally to refer to someone you are close with and spend a lot of time together. Buddies are usually supportive and share common interests.

Synonyms

companion, friend, pal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
buddy

Informal and friendly term often used to refer to a close friend or someone with whom you share a strong bond. It's commonly used in casual conversation.

  • Hey buddy, do you want to grab a drink tonight?; That’s my buddy from high school
friend

Neutral and versatile term that can be used in both casual and formal conversations. It refers to someone you know well and regard with affection and trust.

  • I met a new friend at the conference
  • ; He's a good friend of mine from college
pal

An informal and friendly term, similar to buddy, but can sometimes be used in a slightly less serious or even jocular context.

  • Hey pal, how’s it going?; We’ve been pals since we were kids
companion

More formal term usually used to refer to someone who accompanies you or shares experiences with you. It can imply both friendship and a sense of partnership.

  • She was a steadfast companion during my travels
  • ; A dog can be a loyal companion

Examples of usage

  • I'm meeting up with my buddies for a drink after work.
  • We've been buddies since we were kids.
Context #2 | Noun

military

In a military context, a buddy is a fellow soldier who looks out for you and vice versa. This system of pairing soldiers together for support and safety is known as the buddy system.

Synonyms

ally, comrade, partner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
buddy

Used in informal speech to refer to a close friend or someone you have a friendly relationship with.

  • Hey buddy, are you coming to the party tonight?
comrade

Often used in military or socialist contexts to denote a fellow member of an organization or group. It carries a sense of solidarity and shared goals.

  • Comrades, we must stand together to achieve our mission
partner

Can be used in both personal and business contexts to describe someone you share a close, cooperative relationship with. In business, it's a formal term.

  • My business partner and I are launching a new startup next month
ally

Generally used in political or military contexts to describe a country or person that cooperates with or supports another.

  • During the war, the country found a strong ally in its neighboring nation

Examples of usage

  • Soldiers are trained to never leave their buddy behind.
  • The buddy system enhances teamwork and cohesion among troops.

Translations

Translations of the word "buddy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amigo

🇮🇳 दोस्त

🇩🇪 Kumpel

🇮🇩 teman

🇺🇦 приятель

🇵🇱 kumpel

🇯🇵 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi)

🇫🇷 copain

🇪🇸 amigo

🇹🇷 dost

🇰🇷 친구 (chingu)

🇸🇦 صديق (sadiq)

🇨🇿 kámoš

🇸🇰 kamoš

🇨🇳 伙伴 (huǒbàn)

🇸🇮 prijatelj

🇮🇸 vinur

🇰🇿 дос

🇬🇪 მეგობარი (megobari)

🇦🇿 dost

🇲🇽 amigo

Etymology

The term 'buddy' originated in America in the mid-19th century, derived from the word 'brother'. It was initially used to refer to close companions or friends. Over time, the term evolved to be more widely used to describe any close or trusted friend, regardless of gender or age.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,257, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.