-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about the process is that Perel is a psychological handyman hired to fix their significant other.
—
Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024
Taking a five-second break during an argument with your significant other could help defuse the situation, according to new research.
—
Alexandra Banner, CNN, 16 Aug. 2024
It’s known as the hookup app, but plenty of people have found significant others.
—
Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2024
Stories are allowed to have their main female characters fall in love and include the lesson that having a six-pack doesn’t give a man the right to slap around his significant other.
—
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for significant other ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-11--20-03-54-ii7pg/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'significant other.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of significant other was
in 1940
Dictionary Entries Near significant other
Cite this Entry
“Significant other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20other. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Medical Definition
significant other
noun
significant oth·er
-ˈət͟h-ər
: a person who is important to one's well-being
especially
: a spouse or one in a similar relationship
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share