familiar

The definition of familiar is something or someone who is friendly to you or known to you because of past history or experience.

(adjective)

An example of familiar is a description for an old friend.
An example of familiar is a description for your home and the path you take to get there.

See familiar in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Archaic having to do with a family
friendly, informal, or intimate: to be on familiar terms
too friendly; unduly intimate or bold; presumptuous
having an intimate knowledge of; closely acquainted (with): familiar with the Bible
well-known; common; ordinary: a familiar sight
domesticated: said of animals

Origin: ME familier < OFr < L familiaris, of a household, domestic < familia, family

noun

1. a close friend or associate
2. Rare habitué
3. Archaic an ecclesiastical servant or agent
Folklore an evil spirit constantly attending someone and typically dwelling within an animal; also, the animal within which such a spirit dwells

Related Forms:

See familiar in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Often encountered or seen. See Synonyms at common.
Having fair knowledge; acquainted: was familiar with those roads.
Of established friendship; intimate: on familiar terms.
Natural and unstudied; informal: lectured in a familiar style.
Taking undue liberties; presumptuous: Students should not be familiar toward an instructor.
Familial.
Domesticated; tame. Used of animals.

noun