spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl 

-səl

: of, relating to, or involving a spouse

spousal affection

spousal assault

spousal support

spousally adverb

spousal

2 of 2

noun

: nuptials

—usually used in plural

Examples of spousal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In addition to a request for spousal support from Richards, Phypers has requested to confirm as separate a list of assets including cordless and electric power tools, a 2018 Chieftain Dark Horse Indian motorcycle, and a GT500 Shelby sports car. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 July 2025

If trapped in a situation involving domestic abuse, spousal infidelity, or romantic coercion, any action a woman takes can be justified or understood. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2025

Noun

What To Know This week, payments are scheduled to be made to those who receive retirement, survivor and spousal benefits as well as disability payments. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

According to the Office of Inspector General, more than 13,000 widows and widowers collectively have lost $130 million in Social Security benefits because of mistakes in claiming spousal benefits. —John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spousaille, from Anglo-French spousailles, espusailles espousal

First Known Use

Adjective

1904, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spousal

• arousal
• espousal