pal
pal
Pal (noun) means a friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with. Example: “I'm meeting a few pals at the park after work today.”
noun
1
A friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with.
"I'm meeting a few pals at the park after work today."
"She has been pen pals with a girl in Canada since primary school."
"He grabbed a drink with his old college pals."
2
An informal, sometimes sharp or challenging way of addressing someone.
"Listen, pal, you can't park your van there."
""I wouldn't do that if I were you, pal," the doorman said firmly."
""Watch it, pal," he snapped after being bumped into."
How to use pal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual word for friend — or, said sharply, a way of putting someone in their place.
When to use it
Very informal; the confrontational sense ("Listen, pal") is common in spoken English but not in formal writing.
Common pairings
old pal
pal around with
pal of mine
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Word forms
- Plural
- pals
- Third person singular
- pals
- Past tense
- palled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm meeting a few _____ at the park after work today.
Etymology
Borrowed from Angloromani pal ("brother, friend"), from Romani phral, ultimately from the same Sanskrit root as "brother."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “pal” mean?
The word “pal” means a friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with. In plain terms, a casual word for friend — or, said sharply, a way of putting someone in their place.
How do you pronounce “pal”?
“Pal” is pronounced pal (/pæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pal” in a sentence?
Here is “pal” used in a sentence: “He grabbed a drink with his old college pals.”
What part of speech is “pal”?
“Pal” is a noun.
Where does the word “pal” come from?
The word “pal” comes from Sanskrit. Borrowed from Angloromani pal ("brother, friend"), from Romani phral, ultimately from the same Sanskrit root as "brother.".
Is “pal” a common word?
“Pal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pal” have?
“Pal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a friend; someone you're on close, casual terms with.
What is the difference between "pal" and "friend"?
"Pal" is an informal, friendly word for a friend, someone you are on close, casual terms with. "Friend" is the neutral, standard term and is suitable for any context, including formal ones.
What is the difference between "pal" and "buddy"?
Both "pal" and "buddy" are informal words for a friend. "Buddy" is especially common in American English, while "pal" is used across both British and American English.
Why can calling someone "pal" sound aggressive or sarcastic?
Besides meaning a friend, "pal" can be used to address someone in a sharp or challenging way, as in "Watch it, pal." Here the normally friendly word is used pointedly, so it comes across as a warning rather than a greeting.
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