spouse

1 of 2

noun

: married person : husband, wife

spouse

2 of 2

verb

spoused; spousing

transitive verb

archaic
: wed

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
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.
Noun
Krista Bokhari applied to be appointed to finish out her spouse’s term and picked up endorsements from many in her party during that process. Mary Ramsey updated September 9, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 This makes getting informed and organized not just a good idea, but a necessity for peace of mind and ensuring the financial security of the surviving spouse. Kristin McKenna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Selling Sunset star recently celebrated her 43rd birthday by renewing her vows to spouse G Flip in Australia, G Flip’s home country. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for spouse

Word History

Etymology

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-

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spouse was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spouse. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

spouse

noun
ˈspau̇s,
 also  ˈspau̇z
: a married person : husband, wife
spousal
ˈspau̇-zəl
-səl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on spouse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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