spouse

noun

\ ˈspau̇s also ˈspau̇z

Definition of spouse

(Entry 1 of 2)

: married person : husband, wife

spouse

verb

\ ˈspau̇z

, ˈspau̇s\

spoused; spousing

Definition of spouse (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

archaic

: wed

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Examples of spouse in a Sentence

Noun

my brothers and sisters and their spouses employees and their spouses are covered by the health plan

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The fee for transferring a vehicle title after the death of a spouse or partner is also going up, from $62 to $157. — Keith Schubert, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin's car registration and title fees are going up," 9 Aug. 2019 An angry associate; a cranky customer; a snarling spouse. — Josh Linkner, Detroit Free Press, "How the most successful leaders respond in tough moments," 31 July 2019 He was charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm, making a criminal threat and inflicting injury on a spouse or roommate. — Pauline Repard, San Diego Union-Tribune, "SDPD officer pleads guilty in domestic violence case," 30 July 2019 That makes them different from Social Security, where a surviving spouse would get the larger of the two checks a couple received. — Liz Weston | Nerdwallet.com, oregonlive.com, "Liz Weston: College savings plan transfer will be easier to current wife, than nonexistent kids," 27 July 2019 Suzanne was an outstanding and inspiring scientist, a loving spouse and mother, an athlete as well as a truly wonderful person beloved to us all. — Gina Martinez, Time, "American Biologist Found Dead in Greece Nearly a Week After Her Disappearance," 9 July 2019 Some savings extend to spouses and families, and a few military discounts are offered year-round. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, "Where active military, vets can get free food and save July 4th and throughout the year," 3 July 2019 One of the greatest highlights of his retirement was a trip to Ireland with his beautiful wife Meg, his loving children, their spouses and six grandchildren. — courant.com, "Donald Maurice Doherty," 18 June 2019 Some savings extend to spouses and families and many military discounts are offered year-round or on a regular basis. — Kelly Tyko, ajc, "Oorah! Where active military, vets can save on Independence Day," 1 July 2018

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

History and Etymology for spouse

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French espus (masculine) & espuse (feminine), from Latin sponsus betrothed man, groom & sponsa betrothed woman, bride, both from sponsus, past participle of spondēre to promise, betroth; akin to Greek spendein to pour a libation, Hittite šipant-