adjective
spousal
SPOW-zuhl
Spousal (adjective) means relating to marriage or to a husband or wife. Example: “The company extended spousal health benefits to same-sex partners.”
adjective
1
Relating to marriage or to a husband or wife.
"The company extended spousal health benefits to same-sex partners."
"She receives spousal support after the divorce."
How to use spousal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with a spouse or with marriage.
Common pairings
spousal support
spousal benefits
spousal abuse
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Word forms
- Plural
- spousals
- Comparative
- more spousal
- Superlative
- most spousal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company extended _____ health benefits to same-sex partners.
Etymology
From spouse plus the adjective suffix "-al", ultimately tracing back through Old French to Latin.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for spousal
See all rhymes for spousal →Frequently asked questions
What does “spousal” mean?
The word “spousal” means relating to marriage or to a husband or wife. In plain terms, having to do with a spouse or with marriage.
How do you pronounce “spousal”?
“Spousal” is pronounced SPOW-zuhl (/ˈspaʊzəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “spousal” in a sentence?
Here is “spousal” used in a sentence: “The company extended spousal health benefits to same-sex partners.”
What part of speech is “spousal”?
“Spousal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “spousal” come from?
The word “spousal” comes from Latin. From spouse plus the adjective suffix "-al", ultimately tracing back through Old French to Latin.
