husband

[huhz-buhnd]

noun

1. a married man, especially when considered in relation to his partner in marriage.

2. British.,  a manager.

3. Archaic.,  a prudent or frugal manager.

verb (used with object)

1. to manage, especially with prudent economy.

2. to use frugally; conserve.

   to husband one's resources.

   Synonyms: hoard, store, save, preserve

3. Archaic.

   1. to be or become a husband to; marry.

   2. to find a husband for.

   3. to till; cultivate.

husband

/ ˈhʌzbənd /

noun

1. a woman's partner in marriage

2. archaic

   1. a manager of an estate

   2. a frugal person

verb

1. to manage or use (resources, finances, etc) thriftily

2. archaic

   1. (tr) to find a husband for

   2. (of a woman) to marry (a man)

3. obsolete,  (tr) to till (the soil)

Other Word Forms

• husbander noun
• husbandless adjective
• unhusbanded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of husband¹

before 1000; Middle English husband ( e ), Old English hūsbonda master of the house < Old Norse hūsbōndi, equivalent to hūs house + bōndi ( bō-, variant of bū- dwell ( boor ) + -nd present participle suffix + -i inflectional ending)

Word History and Origins

Origin of husband¹

Old English hūsbonda, from Old Norse hūsbōndi, from hūs house + bōndi one who has a household, from bōa to dwell

Example Sentences

To cope, Duncan, 61, told herself that her husband’s decline and death was a sacred time and that she was part of a spiritual transition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To Magrita, 66, who is enjoying a mulled wine with her husband Dietmar, 69, German Christmas markets are characterised by their unique atmosphere: "The colourful lights and Christmas decorations make it so special."

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Gillian Haycock, 52, had to evacuate elderly residents when the floods hit an apartment complex for people over 60 that she and her husband are managing.

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We had been married for a year when my husband suggested moving to the West Coast.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bair, her husband and their two sons now dutifully haul home any leftover bones—beef, pork or chicken.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• companion 
• partner 
• spouse