# spousal

/ˈspaʊzəɫ/ (US) · /spˈaʊsəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spousal
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

relating to a husband or wife. You use this word to describe things that belong to or affect a married couple.

For teachers: relating to or affecting a husband or wife. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe rights, benefits, or responsibilities within a marriage.

## Examples

- The couple discussed their spousal rights before the wedding.
- The new law provides for spousal support in cases where one partner has been financially dependent on the other for many years.
- The legal team argued that the spousal privilege should protect the couple's private communications from being used as evidence in the trial.

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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.