noun / verb

buddy

BUHD-ee/ˈbʌdi/

A friend or companion, or to pair closely with someone.

The woman walks beside her buddy, sharing a laugh.

Two relaxed friends walking shoulder to shoulder, sharing a laugh, with one woman's arm comfortably around the other's shoulders.

Etymology

Buddy’s origin is uncertain: it may be an alteration of brother or come from butty, meaning “companion” or “workmate.” Butty was particularly associated with coal miners.

In context

Marcel van den Berg39:36

… after you checked up your own equipment, your buddy will check you off one more time …

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More examples

My old buddy called yesterday.
The children worked with their reading buddies.
We buddied together for the long hike.

Forms

buddy · buddies · buddied · buddying

Similar words

friend: The ordinary word without buddy's informal, familiar tone.
pal: Pal is another informal term and can sound more familiar or old-fashioned.