spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl How to pronounce spousal (audio)
-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
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.
Adjective
Per the filing, reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, Dorit is seeking spousal support and sole custody of the couple's two children: son Jagger, 11, and daughter Phoenix, 9. Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Premium financing arrangements, particularly in conjunction with spousal lifetime access trusts, can create flexible, tax-efficient structures that preserve estate liquidity without tying up large amounts of cash. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
The new filings come after Joiner filed to modify her existing spousal support to over $21,000 and child support to over $9,000 from the rapper, per TMZ, in order to maintain their lifestyle. Daniela Avila, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Wednesday, May 14: Retirement, spousal and survivor benefits for those born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spousal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spousal was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Spousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spousal. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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