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.”
noun
1
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 notesIn 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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Word forms
- Plural
- paramours
- Third person singular
- paramours
- Past tense
- paramoured
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."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for paramour
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."
