Definition

Noun: 1. A female romantic partner: A woman with whom a man or another woman is in a committed or romantic relationship. 2. A female friend: A woman who is a close, platonic friend of another woman.

Usage

The word "girlfriend" is used to refer to a female romantic partner or a close female friend. The meaning is often clarified by context. * When referring to a romantic partner, it is typically used by men to describe their female partner or by women to describe their female partner in a same-sex relationship. * When referring to a platonic friend, it is almost exclusively used by women to describe their close female friends.

Examples

• Romantic Partner:
  • He introduced Sarah as his girlfriend at the family dinner.
  • His girlfriend kicked him out. (From reference context)
• Female Friend:
  • She's going on a trip with her girlfriends next weekend.
  • Mary and her girlfriend organized the party. (From reference context)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The term can sometimes be ambiguous without context, as it carries both romantic and platonic meanings.
• In some social or regional contexts, especially among younger speakers or within LGBTQ+ communities, the romantic meaning is primary, and women may use other terms like "friend" or "gal pal" to specify a platonic relationship to avoid confusion.
• The plural "girlfriends" often, but not always, implies a group of platonic female friends.

Variants and Related Words

• Boyfriend (n.): A male romantic partner or, less commonly, a close male friend.
• Partner (n.): A more formal or gender-neutral term for a person with whom one shares a romantic relationship.
• Significant Other (n.): A general term for a person with whom one has a romantic relationship.

Synonyms

• Romantic Context: Partner, significant other, date, sweetheart, lover.
• Platonic Context: Friend, pal, mate, confidante, best friend.

Idioms / Common Phrases

• "Just friends": A phrase used to clarify that a relationship is platonic, not romantic. (e.g., )
• "Girls' night out": An event where a group of female friends socialize together. Often planned by one's "girlfriends."

Noun

1. a girl or young woman with whom a man is romantically involved
   • his girlfriend kicked him out
2. any female friend
   • Mary and her girlfriend organized the party