partner

[pahrt-ner]

noun

1. a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor; sharer; associate.

   Synonyms: accomplice, accessory, colleague

2. Law.

   1. a person associated with another or others as a principal or a contributor of capital in a business or a joint venture, usually sharing its risks and profits.

   2. special partner.

3. silent partner.

4. a spouse; a husband or a wife.

5. the person with whom one cohabits in a romantic relationship.

   I'd like you to meet my partner, Sarah.

6. either of two people who dance together.

   my favorite partner in the waltz.

7. a player on the same side or team as another.

   My tennis partner was an excellent player.

8. Nautical.,  partners, a framework of timber round a hole in a ship's deck, to support a mast, capstan, pump, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to associate as a partner or partners with.

2. to serve as the partner of.

partner

/ ˈpɑːtnə /

noun

1. an ally or companion

   a partner in crime

2. a member of a partnership

3. one of a pair of dancers or players on the same side in a game

   my bridge partner

4. either member of a couple in a relationship

verb

1. to be or cause to be a partner (of)

Other Word Forms

• partnerless adjective
• nonpartner noun
• underpartner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of partner¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English partener, alteration of parcener by association with part

Word History and Origins

Origin of partner¹

C14: variant (influenced by _part ) of _parcener

Example Sentences

Consumers are pulling back on spending in response to economic uncertainty and rising prices, said Rebecca Lohrey, a partner at Deloitte with expertise in retail and e-commerce.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Liverpool's own Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of his contract, potentially following in the footsteps of former defensive partner Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Read more on BBC

Lakanwal worked with the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan, including the Central Intelligence Agency, “as a member of a partner force in Kandahar,” John Ratcliffe, the spy agency’s director, said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We have partners in Syria with whom we can work,” said Boms, the researcher.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“With early alerts now coming from our international partners, we have a narrow window to act — boost stockpiles, issue robust guidance, deploy resources quickly, and reinforce surveillance.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• ally 
• associate 
• colleague 
• companion 
• friend 
• husband 
• participant 
• spouse 
• wife