Etymology From Middle English partener, partiner, alteration (due to Middle English part) of Middle English parcener, from Old French parçonier, parçonneour (“joint heir”) from parçon (“partition”), from Latin partītiōnem, singular accusative of partītiō (“portion”). The word may also represent Old French part tenour (“part holder”). Compare also Middle English partifere (“partner”), partifelewe (“partner”). Doublet of parcener.
Either of a pair of people or things that belong together.
2
Someone who is associated with another in a common activity or interest.
business partner
dance partner
3 more examples
doubles partner
speaking partner
sex partner
3
A member of a business or law partnership.
He Suſpends on theſe Reaſons, that Thomas Rue had granted a general Diſcharge to Adam Muſhet, who was his Conjunct, and correus debendi, after the alleadged Service, which Diſcharged Muſhet, and conſequently Houstoun his Partner.1668 July 3, James Dalrymple, “Thomas Rue contra Andrew Houſtoun” in The Deciſions of the Lords of Council & Seſſion I (Edinburgh, 1683), page 548
4
A spouse or other person with whom one shares a domestic, romantic, or sexual bond.
New guidance on how to prosecute abusive partners for controlling and coercive behaviour has highlighted the phenomenon of love-bombing, a tactic used by suspects to confuse victims and gain more control.2023 April 23, Amelia Gentleman, “CPS includes ‘love-bombing’ in guidance on abusive partners prosecution”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 24 Dec 2025:
5
Someone with whom one dances in a two-person dance.
He tried to persuade Cicely to stay away from the ball-room for a fourth dance.[…]But she said she must go back, and when they joined the crowd again her partner was haled off with a frightened look to the royal circle, […].1909 September 9, Archibald Marshall [pseudonym; Arthur Hammond Marshall], chapter I, in The Squire’s Daughter, London: Methuen & Co. […], →OCLC:
6
Someone with whom one plays on the same side in a game, such as card games or doubles tennis.
7
Nautical, Transport One of the pieces of wood comprising the framework which strengthens the deck of a wooden ship around the holes through which the mast and other fittings pass.
8
Jamaica A group financial arrangement in which each member contributes a set amount of money over a set period.
Etymology From Middle English partener, partiner, alteration (due to Middle English part) of Middle English parcener, from Old French parçonier, parçonneour (“joint heir”) from parçon (“partition”), from Latin partītiōnem, singular accusative of partītiō (“portion”). The word may also represent Old French part tenour (“part holder”). Compare also Middle English partifere (“partner”), partifelewe (“partner”). Doublet of parcener.
1
To join as a partner.
2
Often, With with To work or perform as a partner.
“In the current period, when people are embedded in social and informational bubbles with like-minded friends and relatives,” he says, “the idea of partnering with someone from a different bubble is understandably daunting. At a minimum it’s awkward and complicated.”2020 October 6, Belinda Luscombe, “Would You Date Someone With Different Political Beliefs? Here's What a Survey of 5,000 Single People Revealed”, in Time:
Tesco has partnered with Direct Rail Services (DRS) to launch a new refrigerated rail freight service from Tilbury to Coatbridge.2022 January 12, “Network News: New freight trips for Tesco and DRS”, in RAIL, number 948, page 12: