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.
There is romance here, though the faces of significant others are generally kept out of frame. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025 Another name that made the list was the talent manager's business associate and apparent significant other, Brittney. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025 Still, once Venus meets with Saturn and Neptune on Aug. 25 and 26, you are encouraged to set firm boundaries with yourself or a significant other. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Wimbledon 2025 has also served as the site where other significant others of professional tennis players can put their own fashion stamp on the tournament. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 July 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 20 Aug. 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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