conjointes

Conjointes is the feminine plural form of the French noun conjointe, meaning a female spouse or female partner in a marriage or civil union. The masculine plural form is conjoints. The term derives from Latin coniunctus, meaning joined or united, from con- “together” and iungere “to join.”

In modern French, conjointe is used in more formal or legal contexts, while the everyday language typically uses époux for husband and épouse for wife. The masculine and feminine plural forms—conjoints and conjointes—are encountered in official documents, genealogical records, and administrative texts when referring to groups of spouses that include women. Phrases such as les conjointes survivantes or la conjointe of a couple may appear in historical or legal discussions, though contemporary usage often prefers more common terms depending on the jurisdiction.

Grammatical notes: conjointes functions as the feminine plural form of the noun conjointe and also as the feminine plural form of the adjective conjoint, which means joined or united. As with other French gendered nouns and adjectives, the form must agree with the noun it modifies or accompanies. The term is thus versatile in written French, reflecting both a specific social role (spouse) and a broader adjectival sense when describing feminine plural nouns.