# partnership

/ˈpɑɹtnɝˌʃɪp/ (US) · /pˈɑːtnəʃˌɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/partnership
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. working together

noun · CEFR B1

the state of being partners or working together on a project.

For teachers: the state of being associated with a partner in a collaborative effort. Often uncountable in this abstract sense.

- The two charities formed a partnership to help homeless people in the city.
- The success of the project was largely due to the close partnership between the local government and private developers.

### 2. a business entity

noun · CEFR B2

a legal type of business where two or more people own and run it together.

For teachers: a legal relationship or business entity formed by two or more individuals or organisations to conduct trade or business.

- After working together for years, the two lawyers decided to start a partnership.
- The partners are personally liable for the debts of the partnership unless they have registered as a limited liability entity.

### 3. cricket scoring

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

the time when two players are batting together and the runs they score.

For teachers: the period during which two specific batsmen are batting together, or the total number of runs scored during that interval.

- Their hundred-run partnership helped the team win the match.
- The opening partnership proved vital, frustrating the bowlers for over two hours and providing a solid foundation for the middle order.

Usage: Commonly used with numerical modifiers like 'opening partnership' or 'record partnership'.

## Examples

- The two companies formed a partnership to develop new software.
- The school and the local library created a partnership to improve literacy rates among young children in the neighborhood.
- While the initial partnership was based on mutual financial gain, it eventually evolved into a strategic alliance that reshaped the entire regional manufacturing sector.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.