Definition

1. Noun:

   • A close friend; a companion: "pal" refers to a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection and shared activities, typically used in informal contexts.
   • A buddy or mate: It denotes a familiar and trusted friend, often used as a term of address.

2. Verb:

   • To become friends with someone; to associate as pals: The act of forming a friendly relationship.
   • To act in a friendly manner towards someone: To behave like a friend.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He's been my pal since we were in kindergarten.
  • Thanks for helping me move, you're a real pal.

• Verb:

  • They met at the club and quickly paled around.
  • The new student hoped to pal with some of his classmates.

Advanced Usage

• "pal around": To spend time together as friends; to hang out.

  • The two actors often pal around when they're not filming.

• "pen pal": A person with whom one becomes friendly by exchanging letters, often from another country. (Note: This is a compound noun listed separately as a variant.)

  • She has had a pen pal in Japan for over ten years.

Variants and Related Words

• Pal up (phrasal verb): To become friends.

  • They paled up during the summer camp.

• Pen pal (n): A friend made and kept through correspondence.

• Chum (n): A close friend (synonymous with 'pal').

Synonyms

• Buddy: A close friend, a partner.
• Mate: A friend, especially in British English.
• Chum: A familiar friend.
• Comrade: A companion who shares one's activities.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pal up (with someone): To become friends with someone.
  • He paled up with the other new employees.

Related Idioms

• Be an old pal: To be a long-standing friend.

  • Do me a favor, be an old pal.

• Pal of mine: A common, informal way to refer to a friend.

  • He's a pal of mine from college.

Noun

1. a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

Verb

1. become friends; act friendly towards