WordGarden.iobuddy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌdi/
US
- /ˈbədi/
Meanings
Noun
a friend or familiar companion
a person paired with someone for an activity, task, or mutual help
a casual way to address someone, especially a man or boy
Beyond the definition
"Buddy" is more than just another word for "friend." It carries warmth and casualness that suggest closeness and shared experience. Think of a trusty sidekick, someone you'd rely on in a pinch—that's a buddy. You might call a coworker "buddy" after years of working together, or even address your dog as "old buddy!" It implies comfortable familiarity. While "friend" can be formal, "buddy" is almost always informal and easygoing. Sometimes it's used playfully to address someone you don't know well—like a salesperson trying to build rapport ("Hey, buddy, how are you doing today?").
The word "buddy" became common in the 19th century and has stayed linked to a sense of camaraderie. Over time, it broadened from close companions to include a more general, friendly address to someone you know or are trying to put at ease.
You might say, "I went hiking with my buddy yesterday," describing a shared activity with a close companion. Or, "Can you give my buddy here a hand?" when asking someone to assist another person. It's common in phrases like "buddy system" (a safety measure where people look out for each other) and can even be used sarcastically or condescendingly ("Don't get any ideas, buddy!").
Interestingly, while once associated mainly with male friendships, "buddy" is now commonly used across ages and genders. It's a versatile word that speaks to connection, support, and a comfortable level of closeness—whether it's a lifelong friend, a helpful coworker, or even your furry companion. So next time you're looking for a warm, informal way to address someone you like, remember "buddy"—it's more than just a term; it's a feeling.
Examples
- 1
Longtime friend
Jake has been my buddy since middle school.
- 2
Workout partner
I usually go to the gym with a buddy from work.
- 3
Office friendliness
She's buddies with almost everyone in the office.
- Patternbe buddies with + person
be friendly with them
- 4
Study partner
The app helped me find a study buddy before finals.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Safety rule
We used the buddy system on the hike, so nobody walked alone.
- Phrasebuddy system
a safety rule where two people stay together
- 6
Camp pairing
On the first day of camp, the older kids buddied up with the younger ones.
- Patternbuddy up with + person
pair up or work closely with them
- 7
Direct address
"Back off, buddy, I was here first."
- Usage
buddy can address someone directly; it may sound friendly or annoyed, depending on tone
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- old buddy
- study buddy
- buddy system
- buddy up
Word family
- buddies
- buddy-buddy
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- buddynounverb
Forms
- buddiespluralnounverb
- buddying-ing formverbnoun
- buddiedpast tenseverbnoun