partnership

American  

[pahrt-ner-ship] / ˈpɑrt nərˌʃɪp /

noun

• partnerships
  plural

1. the state or condition of being a partner; participation; association; joint interest.

2. Law.

   1. the relation subsisting between partners.

   2. the contract creating this relation.

   3. an association of persons joined as partners in business.

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partnership British  

/ ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp /

noun

1. 1. a contractual relationship between two or more persons carrying on a joint business venture with a view to profit, each incurring liability for losses and the right to share in the profits

   2. the deed creating such a relationship

   3. the persons associated in such a relationship

2. the state or condition of being a partner

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partnership Cultural  

1. An association of two or more persons to conduct a business. In contrast to a corporation, those who engage in a partnership are liable for debts incurred by the company to the full extent of their private fortunes rather than merely to the extent of their investment.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prepartnership
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• partnerships
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of partnership

First recorded in 1570–80; partner + -ship

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Explanation

What do Lewis and Clark, Bonnie and Clyde, and Ben and Jerry have in common? They all formed partnerships — cooperative relationships where they worked as a team to reach a goal, whether it was robbing banks or inventing Cherry Garcia. It’s easy to spot partner hidden inside partnership. That should clue you in to the fact the word is all about the deal sealed between two or more people, groups, or even countries that agree to throw their lot in together to achieve something both want. A partnership can be a legal business relationship sealed by a contract or a casual handshake-driven agreement between friends. A marriage is a partnership. So is a corporate merger.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

partnership partnerships

But because so many creators are fans, the company sees its work with them as a partnership and an authentic way to reach audiences.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

The partnership brings together environmental organisations, local authorities, landowners, volunteers and communities to combine resources, expertise and local knowledge.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

I’ve suggested we two hold weekly or bimonthly meetings—informal yet complete with agendas to better establish our priorities—to introduce structure, rhythm and ritual to our partnership.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

"The future of development will depend on bringing public finance, private investment, philanthropy, and technology together around what each country needs. The partnership -- and mix -- should evolve as countries do."

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

No partnership, for that matter, would have hired me, or anyone remotely like me.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

“Let’s be honest,” said Nicole Leo, vice president of creator content and partnerships.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

The changes, it is understood, will allow regional transport partnerships to have more control over routes and fares on the bus network, without the government having to actively own it.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

Pepsi is evaluating other partnerships as well, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026

For Netflix, that means looking outside of its once-unimpeachable red walls and embracing more reluctant partnerships with rivals, while cutting costs and overhauling old practices wherever possible.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

Mr. Lewis did call Hazel’s mom, and on Friday morning she drove Hazel to school and the three of them sat in his office while he spoke of referrals and evaluations and partnerships and time-outs.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

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Related Words

• assistance
• association
• business
• company
• cooperation
• cooperative
• corporation
• firm
• friendship
• interest
• organization
• ownership
• sharing
• society
• tie up
• union

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