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.
Maybe a mentor, teacher or significant other is challenging your worldview. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 When the Chiefs players and their significant others were out celebrating the Super Bowl LVIII victory in Las Vegas, a Cowboys fan joined the party. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025 Glass half-full: The Broncos take those 15 minutes off every third quarter so orange and blue faithful can a) order food; b) pick up beer; c) engage with their significant others or children. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2025 In previous years, the friends have even brought in their significant others to play matching characters. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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 17 Nov. 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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