friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

1

: the state of being friends

they have a long-standing friendship

2

: the quality or state of being friendly : friendliness

the friendship shown him by his coworkers

3

obsolete : aid

Synonyms

• amity
• benevolence
• brotherhood
• charity
• cordiality
• cordialness
• fellowship
• friendliness
• gemütlichkeit
• good-fellowship
• goodwill
• kindliness
• neighborliness

Examples of friendship in a Sentence

a friendship between two countries

They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the kind of friendship that dreams are made of. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025

Rihanna and Rocky first confirmed their romance in 2020 following nearly a decade of close friendship. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025

The story of a friendship between two women that reckons with a hidden chapter in Korean history. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Though Hawke and Qualley were holding hands, the gesture seemed to be more of a sign of friendship than of romance. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see friend entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing friendship

• betray someone's friendship

Kids Definition

friendship

noun

friend·​ship ˈfren(d)-ˌship 

: the state of being friends