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.
This is a binge best enjoyed solo or with a significant other. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 During a recent interview, the former soap star revealed what the one thing was that annoyed her about co-hosting with her significant other. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 July 2025 To enter, each entrant must post a video on Instagram of themselves proposing to their significant other inside or outside of a movie theater and tag @Together.movie in the video post with the following caption and hashtag: TOGETHER FOREVER. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 17 July 2025 The idea was inspired by the classic concept of meeting a significant other: at a bar, sharing wine. Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 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 28 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!