Definition

Noun: A person with whom one becomes acquainted and maintains a friendly relationship primarily through the exchange of written letters or, in modern times, electronic messages, often over a long distance and without having met in person.

Usage

A "pen pal" is used to describe a long-distance friendship sustained through correspondence. It is a compound noun. The relationship is typically based on shared interests, cultural exchange, or language practice. - She has had the same pen pal in Japan for over ten years. - Writing to a pen pal is a great way to learn about another culture. - They started as pen pals before finally meeting last summer.

Advanced Usage

• "To be pen pals with someone": To have a pen pal relationship with a specific person.
  • My grandfather was pen pals with a soldier from another country during the war.
• Used attributively (as a noun modifier):
  • They have a pen-pal relationship. (Note: Often hyphenated when used as a modifier before a noun.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pen friend: A synonym, more commonly used in British English.
• Key pal: A modern, informal term for a pen pal with whom one corresponds via email.
• Correspondent: A more formal term for a person with whom one exchanges letters.

Synonyms

• Correspondent
• Pen friend
• Letter writer

Related Phrases

• Exchange letters: The primary activity between pen pals.
  • They exchange letters every month.
• Long-distance friendship: Describes the nature of the relationship.
  • Their long-distance friendship began as a school project.

Noun

1. a person you come to know by frequent friendly correspondence