a contractual relationship between two or more persons carrying on a joint business venture with a view to profit, each incurring liability for losses and the right to share in the profits the deed creating such a relationship the persons associated in such a relationship the state or condition of being a partner
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
part•ner /ˈpɑrtnɚ/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- one who is associated with another;
an associate:his partner in crime. - Lawone of two or more persons who have a business and share in the risks and profits:My business partners think your company is a good investment.
- a husband, wife, or lover:If you or your partner is infected with the HIV virus, contact a doctor at once.
- either of two people who dance together, etc.:an ice-skating partner.
part•ner•ship
(pärt′nər ship′),USA pronunciation n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- the state or condition of being a partner;
participation;
association;
joint interest. - Law
- the relation subsisting between partners.
- the contract creating this relation.
- Lawan association of persons joined as partners in business.
- partner + -ship 1570–80
part•ner
(pärt′nər),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
part′ner•less, adj.
- a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor;
sharer;
associate. - Law
- a person associated with another or others as a principal or a contributor of capital in a business or a joint venture, usually sharing its risks and profits.
- See special partner.
- See silent partner.
- a husband or a wife;
spouse. - either of two people who dance together:my favorite partner in the waltz.
- a player on the same side or team as another:My tennis partner was an excellent player.
- Nautical, Naval Terms partners, a framework of timber round a hole in a ship's deck, to support a mast, capstan, pump, etc.
v.t.
- to associate as a partner or partners with.
- to serve as the partner of.
- Middle English partener, alteration of parcener by association with part 1250–1300
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged colleague, accessory, accomplice.
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