significant other

noun

: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

Examples of significant other in a Sentence

Before you make such an important decision, you should talk it over with your significant other. she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yep, consider this list an early Valentine’s Day gift from us to you (and your significant other). Lindsey Lanquist, StyleCaster, 23 Jan. 2025 You’re ruled by the sun, and this ever-glowing luminary along with Mercury will charge up your committed seventh house of agreements, compromise and significant others between Jan. 19 and 27. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 So this search isn’t about feeling incomplete or insignificant without a significant other. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 All six of Laurel Sharpe’s agents are wives or significant others of current or former players (including Madeline Poteet, whose husband Cody was traded from the Yankees to the Cubs for Cody Bellinger earlier this offseason). Levi Weaver, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for significant other 

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near significant other

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

significant other

noun
significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər How to pronounce significant other (audio)
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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