spouse

Everyday

1. Your spouse is the person you are married to: your husband or your wife. tree →
2. (formal, law) The word used on forms and in law for a married partner, whatever their sex. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk people say husband, wife or partner; «spouse» is the word on official forms, in law and in stiff writing. Children meet it in forms, stories about weddings and family trees. Phrases: «spouse or partner», «his spouse», «a surviving spouse» (one whose husband or wife has died).

Examples

• The form asks for your name and your spouse's name. tree →
• Each guest may bring their spouse to the dinner. tree →
• In the law, a spouse can inherit money when their husband or wife dies. tree →
• My aunt and her spouse live in Dublin. tree →
• The king's spouse is called the queen consort. tree →
• Spouses often share a bank account. tree →
• The teacher wrote «spouse» on the family-tree worksheet. tree →
• "My darling dear, my life-long spouse! now will I never part from thee!" tree →

Note

Countable, formal. Plural: spouses. Not used for a boyfriend or girlfriend who is not married to you (that is «partner»). Gender-neutral: a spouse may be a husband or a wife.