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
Fifty-five percent of those who plan to celebrate plan to buy gifts for their significant other or other family members.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Hilarity and love ensue — until her new significant other is knocked over by Carpenters’ fans.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026
About 83% of shoppers plan to purchase a gift for a significant other, but the holiday spending extends to gifts for friends, co-workers and pets.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
Valentine's Day is just ahead, but there is still time to plan something fun to with your significant other.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for significant other
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.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Hilarity and love ensue — until her new significant other is knocked over by Carpenters’ fans.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026
About 83% of shoppers plan to purchase a gift for a significant other, but the holiday spending extends to gifts for friends, co-workers and pets.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
Valentine's Day is just ahead, but there is still time to plan something fun to with your significant other.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for significant other
Cite this Entry
“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
significant other
noun
significant oth·er
-ˈət͟h-ər 
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially
: a spouse or one in a similar relationship
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
