silent partner

American

noun

a partner taking no active part in the conduct of a business.

silent partner British

noun

Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): sleeping partner. a partner in a business who does not play an active role, esp one who supplies capital

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of silent partner

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much that is worth reading has been written about consciousness and its silent partner, the unconscious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Natalie Whelton, senior wealth adviser and wealth strategist at HB Wealth, said she works hard to help the more silent partner speak up in retirement planning.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

The locally owned franchise, Anchored Tiny Homes, is owned by Goodwin; his wife, Natalie Wright; and a silent partner.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

Robbie had another advantage, perhaps a silent partner helping her get on track: the wordless opening sequence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Nature should always be a silent partner in the creation and adaptation of architectural designs.

From Equatorial America Descriptive of a Visit to St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbadoes, and the Principal Capitals of South America by Ballou, Maturin Murray

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023