1 pal | Definition of pal

pal

noun
\ ˈpal How to pronounce pal (audio) \

Definition of pal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a close friend

pal

verb
palled; palling

Definition of pal (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to be or become pals : associate as pals they've palled around for years

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Other Words from pal

Noun

palship \ ˈpal-​ˌship How to pronounce palship (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for pal

Synonyms: Noun

alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, friend, intimate, mate [chiefly British], musketeer

Antonyms: Noun

enemy, foe

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Examples of pal in a Sentence

Noun

We've been pals since we were kids. Come on—be a pal and lend me the money.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The biggest transaction of the offseason sent the NFL’s most dynamic receiver to Cleveland, where he has been reunited with pal Jarvis Landry and receiving coach Adam Henry, who mentored him at Louisiana State and with the Giants. Los Angeles Times, "AFC North preview: Odell Beckham and Browns have high expectations," 3 Sep. 2019 Many fans were expecting to catch up with old pals — Donna, Kelly, Brandon, Brenda, David, Andrea, and Steve — but instead were left watching a show about the actors themselves. Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "'90210' Fans Are Extremely "Disappointed" With the Reboot Despite Impressive Premiere Ratings," 10 Aug. 2019 Which means Apple might actually be closer to killing off a different pocket pal: The keyring. Mike Murphy, Quartz, "Apple is going to be the company that kills the wallet," 17 Aug. 2019 Her post Wednesday shows her and a pal visiting Antelope Canyon, on the Navajo Reservation just east of Page. USA TODAY, "Barbie, Tupac, scorpions and Red Vines: News from around our 50 states," 19 July 2019 Her post on Wednesday shows her and a pal visiting Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation just east of Page in northern Arizona. Melissa Yeager, azcentral, "Barbie is Instagramming her way around Arizona this week. See where she's been so far," 17 July 2019 Bautista Agut, a first-time Grand Slam semifinalist, is supposed to be on the island of Ibiza right now, having a bachelor party with a half-dozen pals ahead of his November wedding. Howard Fendrich, baltimoresun.com, "Federer, Nadal to play at Wimbledon for first time since 2008," 10 July 2019 When playing with others, expect more traps and fake doors, and Luigi can essentially become scared to death, needing a pal to go and revive him. Todd Martens, latimes.com, "E3 2019: Why you’ll love Nintendo’s gooey Gooigi in ‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’," 11 June 2019 On much of his work he was joined by some combination of his fellow Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, aka The Swampers, session musician pals, including bassist David Hood, guitarist Jimmy Johnson and keyboardists Barry Beckett and Spooner Oldham. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, "Swampers drum legend’s hot beats and cold winter," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pal

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pal

Noun

Romany phral, phal brother, friend, from Sanskrit bhrātṛ brother; akin to Old English brōthor brother

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More Definitions for pal

pal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pal

informal
: a close friend
used to address a man in an angry or annoyed way

pal

noun
\ ˈpal How to pronounce pal (audio) \

Kids Definition of pal

: a close friend

Legal Definition of PAL

passive activity loss

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More from Merriam-Webster on pal

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pal

Spanish Central: Translation of pal

Nglish: Translation of pal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pal for Arabic Speakers