plus-one

Or plus one

[pluhs-wuhn]

noun

1. a person who accompanies someone to a party or other event when the invitation allows the invited guest to bring another person.

   I phoned Tom to ask if he would be my plus-one at the gala.

plus-one

noun

1. informal,  a person who accompanies an invited person to a social function

Word History and Origins

Origin of plus-one¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

In the win against Arsenal earlier this season, Liverpool started the match by keeping a 'plus-one' in their defensive line.

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Or, as Gala puts it: “It was infinitely more satisfying to be somebody rather than somebody’s plus-one.”

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Unclear if a plus-one for Melania was included.

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The dog, Felicity, attended as the plus-one of an animal rights activist representing a U.K. group called NoToDogMeat.

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Most folks came to the fair with a plus-one but, upon entering, would spot a neighbor or acquaintance across the room and begin chatting.

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