paramour

[ par-uh-moor ]

noun

1. an illicit lover, especially of a married person.
2. any lover.

paramour

/ ˈpærəˌmʊə /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a lover, esp an adulterous woman
2. See beloved
   an archaic word for beloved

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramour¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from the phrase par amour “by love, through love,” from Old French par “by, through” (from Latin per per ( def ) ) + amo(u)r “love” ( amour ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramour¹

C13: from Old French, literally: through love

Example Sentences

The presidential paramour was French film star Julie Gayet, 42, confirming months of behind-the-scenes innuendo.

From The Daily Beast

Once in Syria, she allegedly intended to marry her online paramour and begin working as a nurse in an ISIS camp.

From The Daily Beast

We learned that Ted Chaough, Peggy's self-exiled paramour, does not.

From The Daily Beast

The photos purport to show a secret overnight visit by Hollande to his alleged paramour on Dec. 30.

From The Daily Beast

Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend) is still teetering on the edge of Carrie's personal life; perhaps he'll be her new paramour.

From The Daily Beast

The sheik, panic-struck, came in and made submission, revealing the treachery of the ranee's paramour and adviser.

From Project Gutenberg

The world takes it for granted that the wife or paramour of a man of genius is in duty bound to sacrifice herself for him.

From Project Gutenberg

I know thee full well; thou art not free from vices: of the Æsir and the Alfar, that are herein, each has been thy paramour.

From Project Gutenberg

Then they went to supper, and the damosel loved Palomides as paramour, but the book saith she was of his kin.

From Project Gutenberg

Ah, madam, said Sir Percivale, what use and custom is that in a lady to destroy good knights but if they will be your paramour?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• admirer
• beau
• concubine
• lover
• mistress
• sweetheart