partnership

American  

[pahrt-ner-ship] / ˈpɑrt nərˌʃɪp /

noun

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

• prepartnership noun

Etymology

Origin of partnership

First recorded in 1570–80; partner + -ship

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

In partnership with local communities, the district has provided the following information on free food distribution centers and food programs, child supervision and student computer devices.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The company has struck recent partnership arrangements that have investors excited.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The hotel company has switched its beverage partnership to Coke after 34 years with Pepsi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Robertson also formed a formidable partnership with fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

John brought to their partnership the initiative to expand nuclear research into biology and physiology, and Ernest contributed the instrument that could make that happen.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

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