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.
In previous years, the friends have even brought in their significant others to play matching characters. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 But a new study by researchers in Taiwan suggests that sleeping apart from your significant other may decrease psychological well-being. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 The WAGs watched as their significant others became the third quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history to record 75 touchdowns (including the playoffs), joining the elite company of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates, according to ESPN. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 Allison Williams and Dave Franco are thrown together after their significant others die in a car crash. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 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 1 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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