spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl 

-səl

: of, relating to, or involving a spouse

spousal affection

spousal assault

spousal support

spousally adverb

spousal

2 of 2

noun

: nuptials

—usually used in plural

Examples of spousal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As outrage over the verdict catalyzed activist campaigns into criminalizing spousal rape in every state (only achieved, with many loopholes, in 1993) the town of Salem, Oregon just wanted to move on. —Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025

Phypers, 53, was arrested in court last month on spousal abuse charges stemming from two separate incidents in 2017 and 2022, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital. —Tracy Wright , Christina Dugan Ramirez , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Noun

The program would continue to allow participation by the elderly, disabled, and homeless, but automatic spousal eligibility would be removed. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The estranged couple did not have a prenup, and recent court documents indicate that spousal support, property division, and attorney fees and costs will be determined at a later date. —Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spousaille, from Anglo-French spousailles, espusailles espousal

First Known Use

Adjective

1904, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spousal

• arousal
• espousal