Meaning & Definition of Familiar in English

1. A person attached to the household of a high official (as a pope or bishop) who renders service in return for support

2. A friend who is frequently in the company of another

• "Drinking companions"

• "Comrades in arms"

3. A spirit (usually in animal form) that acts as an assistant to a witch or wizard

1. Well known or easily recognized

• "A familiar figure"

• "Familiar songs"

• "Familiar guests"

2. Within normal everyday experience

• Common and ordinary

• Not strange

• "Familiar ordinary objects found in every home"

• "A familiar everyday scene"

• "A familiar excuse"

• "A day like any other filled with familiar duties and experiences"

3. (usually followed by `with') well informed about or knowing thoroughly

• "Conversant with business trends"

• "Familiar with the complex machinery"

• "He was familiar with those roads"

4. Having mutual interests or affections

• Of established friendship

• "On familiar terms"

• "Pretending she is on an intimate footing with those she slanders"