spousal

adjective spou·sal \ ˈspau̇-zəl , -səl \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of spousal

: of, relating to, or involving a spouse

spousal affection

spousal assault

spousal support

—

spousally

adverb

First Known Use of spousal

1904

in the meaning defined above

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spousal

noun

Definition of spousal

: nuptials —usually used in plural

Recent Examples of spousal from the Web

Rob Porter, a young aide who had become a trusted West Wing filter, was forced out in February amid allegations of spousal abuse.

— chris megerian, latimes.com, "A particularly tumultuous week suggests a more isolated and erratic Trump," 14 Apr. 2018
Dealing mainly with family disputes like spousal abuse, divorce and alimony claims, these courts are governed by Islamic law that can vary in interpretation from region to region.

— jeannette catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: In ‘The Judge,’ a Middle Eastern Trailblazer Upholds Women’s Rights," 12 Apr. 2018
And Rob Porter departed as staff secretary amid allegations of spousal abuse.

— philip rucker and robert costa, chicagotribune.com, "'Tired of the wait game': White House stabilizers gone, Trump calling his own shots," 1 Apr. 2018
Stacey Esterly, who has been married to her now-estranged husband for more than 12 years, is requesting spousal support and alimony.

— Fox News, "Wife of Pennsylvania man who fled with teen to Mexico files for divorce, report says," 28 Mar. 2018
Female, 36, arrested on suspicion of spousal abuse, 900 block Haverford Road.

— sentinel staff, Ramona Sentinel, "Sheriff's Reports: March 18-25," 27 Mar. 2018
Web Divorce Prep is an online divorce documentation and record-keeping software platform that saves time by making spousal communication less antagonistic and simplifying the legal process.

— tracey harrington mccoy, Newsweek, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do in Arkansas; Why Divorce Laws Are Getting Stricter," 17 May 2015
Actors who work steadily at Chicago’s major Equity houses — or actors who have spousal income or other means of support — may be able to justify additional expenses without a tax write-off.

— morgan greene, chicagotribune.com, "The Trump tax cuts aren't tax cuts for Chicago actors, who are losing deductions they rely on," 21 Mar. 2018
Porter left after it was revealed that allegations of spousal abuse were holding up his permanent security clearance.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Trump aide forced out over security issue but immediately joins re-election campaign," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spousal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spousal

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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spousal

Definition of spousal

spousally

First Known Use of spousal

spousal

Definition of spousal

Recent Examples of spousal from the Web

Origin and Etymology of spousal

Learn More about spousal

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spousal

Definition of spousal

spousally

First Known Use of spousal

spousal

Definition of spousal

Recent Examples of spousal from the Web

Origin and Etymology of spousal

Learn More about spousal

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