partner

American  

[pahrt-ner] / ˈpɑrt nər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to associate as a partner or partners with.

2. to serve as the partner of.

partner British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• nonpartner noun
• partnerless adjective
• underpartner noun

Etymology

Origin of partner

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

Explanation

If you open a lemonade stand with your brother, then your brother is your business partner. Partner means "to pair up." At a square dance, the call "partner up!" means it's time to find someone to dance with. In business, there are often multiple partners — each one owns a share of the business, and has a share of the risk. Some people call their spouse or the person they're in a long-term relationship with their partner — it has more egalitarian senses than "husband" or "wife," and signals commitment even if you're not married.

Example Sentences

The results of the past decade also suggest that elevated tariffs won’t go away, said Kristin Bohl, a customs and international trade partner at PwC.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Wednesday called Spain "an important partner of China within the EU", adding that Sanchez's visit offers a chance to "promote bilateral relations to an even higher level".

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Fast-starting Benetton, who lost captain Michele Lamaro on the morning of the game after his partner went into labour, took a fifth-minute lead through a try from Italy international second row Niccolo Cannone.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“China as a trading partner and Hong Kong as a financial transaction hub will become very important,” said Maia Nikoladze, associate director of the Economic Statecraft Initiative at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

So when Aunt Melissa approaches me with a business opportunity, I say yes before even checking with my partner.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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