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.

---

Other Word Forms

• domestic partnership
  noun

Etymology

Origin of domestic partner

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

domestic partner

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

But when it comes to extended relationships we’ve got: lover, domestic partner, significant other, longtime companion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2025

“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