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
At the event Saturday, some attendees quietly sipped coffee in anticipation, while others grabbed a friend, significant other and hit a makeshift dance floor next to the order line.
—
Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Do not cheat on your significant other.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
From family and significant others to the cat that ate half my birthday cake last night, now is our chance to show our appreciation that often goes unsaid.
—Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
Valentine’s Day Edition For emo millennials ready to break out the black eyeliner and Doc Martens — whether with friends or a significant other — this may be the spot.
—Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 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.
Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Do not cheat on your significant other.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
From family and significant others to the cat that ate half my birthday cake last night, now is our chance to show our appreciation that often goes unsaid.
—Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
Valentine’s Day Edition For emo millennials ready to break out the black eyeliner and Doc Martens — whether with friends or a significant other — this may be the spot.
—Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 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 21 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
