domestic partner

American  

[duh-mes-tik pahrt-ner] / dəˈmɛs tɪk ˈpɑrt nər /

noun

1. either member of an unmarried, cohabiting heterosexual or gay couple whose relationship status grants certain legal rights and protections similar to those of spouses.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• domestic partnership
  noun

Etymology

Origin of domestic partner

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Adding unpaid labor onto one’s daily workload is draining and, provided your domestic partner is open to ameliorating the imbalance, solvable.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Chen’s domestic partner, Runhua Hou or Rachael Hou, 32, is accused of assisting Chen.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2024

“Don’t Let It Happen,” his first book, includes a colorful cover featuring a revolver in a pink lunchbox, as well as a forward credited to Adams’ longtime domestic partner, Tracey Collins.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024

Such an order typically requires a court finding that the person “represents a credible threat” to a domestic partner.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2023

But still, for a sober domestic partner, the new town is no ill companion to the ancient city on the hill.

From Royal Edinburgh Her Saints, Kings, Prophets and Poets by Reid, George