First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1spouse
noun \ˈspau̇s also ˈspau̇z\
: someone who is married : a husband or wife
Full Definition of SPOUSE
See spouse defined for English-language learners
See spouse defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPOUSE
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-
Related to SPOUSE
- Synonyms
- better half, consort, mate, partner, significant other
2spouse
transitive verb \ˈspau̇z, ˈspau̇s\
spousedspous·ing
SPOUSE Defined for Kids
spouse
noun \ˈspau̇s\
Learn More About SPOUSE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spousehoodPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spousalAll Words Near: spouse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spouse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).