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.
The catch is that whenever someone goes in, a red light is sent to the other villa, sure to ignite a bit of anxiety for the significant others across the way. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025 Fellow football players and their significant others, including Jordan Love, Sean Clifford, AJ Dillon, Kenny Clark and Daniel Whelan, also offered their congratulations. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 Pisces tend to fully dedicate themselves to a significant other early on. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 From my experience, a man who does not support or endorse his significant other developing close bonds with his children winds up creating a fractured family. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 4 Mar. 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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