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

Related Words

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