spouse
n. · v.-
1 marriage partner (n.) B1 Intermediate Formal Lawthe person you are married to; your husband or wife.
a person's partner in marriage or a legally recognised union. The term is gender-neutral and frequently appears in legal and official documentation.
ExampleThe company allows employees to bring a spouse or partner to the holiday party.
ExampleUnder current immigration law, a spouse of a permanent resident may be eligible for a visa after a specific waiting period.
UsageCommonly used in formal writing and legal forms where 'husband' or 'wife' might be too specific.
Teacher's tipWhile common in documents, people usually say 'my husband', 'my wife', or 'my partner' in casual conversation.
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2 to marry (v.) C2 Proficiency Archaicto get married to someone.
to marry or wed a person. This verbal use is largely obsolete in modern prose and is typically replaced by 'marry' or 'espouse'.
ExampleIn the old story, the knight sought to spouse the princess.
ExampleThe ancient chronicles describe how the king sought to spouse the daughter of his rival to secure a lasting peace treaty.
Teacher's tipThis verbal form is extremely rare; students will likely only encounter it in historical literature or poetry.
From Middle English spous, spouse, from Anglo-Norman espus m, espuse f and Old French espos m, espose f and by aphesis from Latin spōnsus m (“bridegroom”), spōnsa f (“bride”), from spondeō (“to vow, pledge”), from Proto-Indo-European *spend-. Displaced native Old English ġemaca. Related to espouse and sponsor.