ex

ex · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Informal) A former spouse, partner, or romantic interest.

  2. 2.

    Former; previously holding a position or status.

Forms

plural: exes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend — a former romantic partner
  • •
    ex-husband/ex-wife — a former spouse
  • •
    the ex — referring to a specific former partner

Related words

Antonyms: current partner, significant other
See also: former, past, previous
Synonyms: ex-spouse, former lover, former partner

Etymology

From Latin "ex" meaning "out of, from." As a standalone noun referring to former partners, it developed in 20th-century English as a shortening of "ex-husband," "ex-wife," "ex-boyfriend," etc.