friend

(friends)
1 [N-COUNT]
A friend is someone who you know well and like, but who is not related to you.
I had a long talk about this with my best friend...
She never was a close friend of mine.
...Sara's old friend, Ogden.
2 [N-PLURAL] oft N with n
If you are friends with someone, you are their friend and they are yours.
I still wanted to be friends with Alison...
We remained good friends...
Sally and I became friends.
3 [N-PLURAL; N-IN-NAMES]
The friends of a country, cause, organization, or a famous politician are the people and organizations who help and support them.
...The Friends of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
4 [N-COUNT]
If one country refers to another as a friend, they mean that the other country is not an enemy of theirs.
The president said that Japan is now a friend and international partner.
= ally
5 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR with n
If you make friends with someone, you begin a friendship with them. You can also say that two people make friends.
He has made friends with the kids on the street...
He had made a friend of both girls.