significant other

noun

: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship

Examples of significant other in a Sentence

Before you make such an important decision, you should talk it over with your significant other. she has threatened to divorce her significant other if he doesn't stop gambling
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.
Maybe a significant other’s financial investments impact your sense of stability, or you’re met with an unexpected bill that throws off your entire budget. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 Curtsinger’s significant other Brian McKenna, a longtime music promoter and owner of Abstract Entertainment, was also fond of Thomas. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025 From Selena Gomez and her beau, Benny Blanco, to Walton Goggins and his wife, Nadia Conners, to Jason Segel and his fiancée, Kayla Radomsk, these stars shone brighter with their significant others next to them. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025 If the unmarried grandchildren in your family aren’t allowed to bring home significant others to stay in the same room, then explain to Dana that this policy has to be universally applied. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for significant other

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

significant other

noun
significant oth·​er -ˈət͟h-ər How to pronounce significant other (audio)
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially : a spouse or one in a similar relationship
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!