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

On Friday, the State Department said it was ready to provide aid to Cubans impacted by the hurricane "directly and via local partners," without going through the government.

Read more on Barron's

His father, Paul, expressed "disgust" towards the company, saying it had not been in touch since the incident, while his partner, Charlene Brown, recalled the morning before his death.

Read more on BBC

The man has been charged with organised theft and criminal conspiracy, while his partner has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy.

Read more on Barron's

A trip to the gym is always more fun with a partner and your “workout buddy” offering may encourage your recipient to try new things, as there’s safety in numbers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

DoorDash Inc. is partnering with sidewalk-robot developer Serve Robotics Inc. for autonomous deliveries across the US, adding to an array of methods the company is exploring to complement human couriers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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