paramour

[ par-uh-moor ]

/ ˈpær əˌmʊər /

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noun

an illicit lover, especially of a married person.

any lover.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of paramour

1250–1300; Middle English, from the phrase par amour by or through love <Old French

Words nearby paramour

paramo, paramorph, paramorphine, paramorphism, paramount, paramour, Paramus, paramyxovirus, Paraná, Paranaguá, Paranaíba

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use paramour in a sentence

The presidential paramour was French film star Julie Gayet, 42, confirming months of behind-the-scenes innuendo.
Hollande's Jilted Lover Valerie Trierweiler Tells All|Tracy McNicoll|September 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Once in Syria, she allegedly intended to marry her online paramour and begin working as a nurse in an ISIS camp.
It’s Time to Blow Up The Myth of Female Terrorists as Love-Struck Victims|Adam Rawnsley|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We learned that Ted Chaough, Peggy's self-exiled paramour, does not.
Mad Men’s Dramatic Déjà Vu: ‘Time Zones’ Feels Redundant|Andrew Romano|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The photos purport to show a secret overnight visit by Hollande to his alleged paramour on Dec. 30.
French President François Hollande Slams Affair Allegations|Tracy McNicoll|January 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend) is still teetering on the edge of Carrie's personal life; perhaps he'll be her new paramour.
‘Homeland’ Finale Shocker: A Death in the Family|Andrew Romano|December 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The sheik, panic-struck, came in and made submission, revealing the treachery of the ranee's paramour and adviser.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
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.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks
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.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson|Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
Then they went to supper, and the damosel loved Palomides as paramour, but the book saith she was of his kin.
Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume II (of II)|Thomas Malory
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?
Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume II (of II)|Thomas Malory

British Dictionary definitions for paramour

paramour

/ (ˈpærəˌmʊə) /

noun

mainly derogatory a lover, esp an adulterous woman

an archaic word for beloved (def. 2)

Word Origin for paramour

C13: from Old French, literally: through love

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

paramour

Origin of paramour

Words nearby paramour

Words related to paramour

How to use paramour in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for paramour

Word Origin for paramour