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.
Things often heat up on the dance floor and during a previous interview on the Trading Secrets podcast, Johnson explained how the show's dance troupe makes sure contestants' significant others feel secure with their partners being on the show. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 In Our Little Secret, Lohan plays Avery, who has to spend the holidays under the same roof as her ex Logan (Ian Harding) after discovering their new significant others are siblings. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2024 That year's significant others, including Kanye, Lamar Odom and Scott Disick, weren't featured — and most notably, brother Rob was MIA. Kate Hogan, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024 For context, my significant other and I live together and are basically married, except for the piece of paper. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024 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 7 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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