pal

1 of 2

noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

palship

ˈpal-ˌship 

noun

pal

2 of 2

verb

palled; palling

intransitive verb

: to be or become pals : associate as pals

they've palled around for years

Synonyms

Noun

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

Verb

• associate
• chum
• company
• consociate
• consort
• fraternize
• hang (around or out)
• hobnob
• hook up
• mess around
• run
• sort
• travel

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.

Verb

they began to pal around after discovering that they both had kids on the same soccer team

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Nicky Weinstock, who’s a producer on the movie, was at the same agency as him and has some pals in common there. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 June 2024

Small talk can feel unbearable, which can lead a lot of people to prefer socializing with one or two close pals instead of a big group. —Julia Ries, SELF, 20 June 2024

His pal contacted the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. —Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2024

One popular guess was longtime JT pal Jimmy Fallon, a close friend who has a house in Sagaponack, a straight shot down Sagg Road. —Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pal

• gal pal
• pal around with
• pal up
• pen pal

Kids Definition

pal

1 of 2 noun

ˈpal 

: a close friend

pal

2 of 2 verb

palled; palling

: to be or become pals

Legal Definition

PAL

abbreviation

passive activity loss