noun
Common
spouse
spows
Spouse (noun) means a husband or wife; the person someone is married to. Example: “You may bring your spouse to the company dinner if you wish.”
noun
1
A husband or wife; the person someone is married to.
"You may bring your spouse to the company dinner if you wish."
"Please list your spouse’s name on the form."
"They travelled together with their spouses."
How to use spouse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA neutral, formal word for a husband or wife.
When to use it
More formal/legal-sounding than "husband" or "wife" — common on official paperwork.
Common pairings
surviving spouse
spouse visa
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Word forms
- Plural
- spouses
- Third person singular
- spouses
- Past tense
- spoused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You may bring your _____ to the company dinner if you wish.
Etymology
From Old French espous/espose, itself from Latin sponsus/sponsa ("betrothed"), related to "espouse" and "sponsor".
Related words
Rhymes for spouse
See all rhymes for spouse →Frequently asked questions
What does “spouse” mean?
The word “spouse” means a husband or wife; the person someone is married to. In plain terms, a neutral, formal word for a husband or wife.
How do you pronounce “spouse”?
“Spouse” is pronounced spows (/spaʊ̯s/ in IPA).
How do you use “spouse” in a sentence?
Here is “spouse” used in a sentence: “Please list your spouse’s name on the form.”
What part of speech is “spouse”?
“Spouse” is a noun.
Where does the word “spouse” come from?
The word “spouse” comes from Latin. From Old French espous/espose, itself from Latin sponsus/sponsa ("betrothed"), related to "espouse" and "sponsor".
Is “spouse” a common word?
“Spouse” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "spouse" and "partner"?
"Spouse" refers specifically to a person you are legally married to, either a husband or a wife, while "partner" is broader and can describe someone you live with or are in a relationship with, whether married or not. Choose "spouse" when marriage is the key point, and "partner" when you want to stay neutral about marital status.
Is "spouse" a formal word?
"Spouse" is fairly formal and neutral, and it is common on official forms, in legal documents, and in writing. In everyday conversation, people more often say "husband," "wife," or "partner."
Why use "spouse" instead of "husband" or "wife"?
"Spouse" is gender-neutral, so it covers a husband or a wife without specifying which. This makes it useful on forms, in policies, and in any situation where you do not know or do not need to state the person's gender.
