partner
part-ner · noun/verb
Definitions
noun/verb
- 1.
A person who shares in an activity or business with another or others.
- 2.
To associate as partners; to work together.
- 3.
A person's spouse, romantic companion, or significant other.
- 4.
A person with whom one dances or plays a game or sport.
- 5.
Either of two people or things forming a pair.
Forms
plural: partners
Phrases & expressions
- •partner in crime — a close associate in wrongdoing (or humorously, any close friend)
- •silent partner — a business partner who provides capital but doesn't participate in management
- •partner up — to form a partnership
- •sparring partner — someone who helps another practice boxing or debating
Related words
Etymology
From Anglo-French parcener ("joint heir"), from Old French parçonier, from parçon ("partition, share"), from Latin partītiō ("division"). The word originally referred to one who shared an inheritance, later broadening to mean any associate or companion.