bedfellow

[bed-fel-oh]

noun

1. Also called bedmate. a person who shares one's bed.

2. an associate or collaborator, especially one who forms a temporary alliance for reasons of expediency.

   Politics makes strange bedfellows.

bedfellow

/ ˈbɛdˌfɛləʊ /

noun

1. a person with whom one shares a bed

2. a temporary ally or associate

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedfellow¹

First recorded in 1400–50, bedfellow is from the late Middle English word bedfelow. See bed, fellow

Example Sentences

To avoid this outcome, Bolsonaro forged alliances with an array of legislative parties and strange bedfellows.

From Los Angeles Times

Tragedy and comedy make freaky bedfellows in “Oedipus the King, Mama!”

From Los Angeles Times

Call them leagues, call them conferences, geographical realignment would make for some strange bedfellows.

From Los Angeles Times

A person can get lost in a big house, all alone, with nothing but their memories as a cold bedfellow.

From Salon

The quest for fame makes strange bedfellows and stranger reality show contestants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caller 
• client 
• companion 
• customer 
• inmate 
• patron 
• recipient 
• tenant 
• vacationer 
• visitor