noun

paramour

PA-ruh-moor

Paramour (noun) means a lover, especially one involved in a secret or illicit romantic or sexual relationship. Example: “Rumours swirled about the countess and her secret paramour.”

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noun

A lover, especially one involved in a secret or illicit romantic or sexual relationship.

"Rumours swirled about the countess and her secret paramour."

"The novel follows a married woman and her paramour who meet only at night."

How to use paramour

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA romantic or sexual partner, usually one kept secret because the relationship is an affair.

When to use it

A literary, slightly old-fashioned word — most people today would just say "lover" or "affair partner."

Common pairings

secret paramour take a paramour

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

paramoured past tense, paramours plural, paramours singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Rumours swirled about the countess and her secret _____.

Etymology

From Old French par amour, "by/through love" — originally an adverbial phrase meaning "passionately" that was later reinterpreted as a noun meaning "beloved person."

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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concubine courtesan doxy fancy man

Related words

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Rhymes for paramour

our hour four your pour sour tour dour flour scour odour amour

See all rhymes for paramour →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of paramour?

"paramour" (noun) means a lover, especially one involved in a secret or illicit romantic or sexual relationship.

What is another word for paramour?

Other words for "paramour" include concubine, courtesan, doxy, fancy man.

How do you use paramour in a sentence?

Example: "Rumours swirled about the countess and her secret paramour."

People also searched

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