husbandandwife

Husband and wife is a common noun phrase used to describe two people who are legally married to each other. In everyday language, it refers to a married couple; in formal or religious contexts it may denote the couple as a unit in matters such as property, inheritance, and family life. The phrase is typically written as "husband and wife" in plain text; it can also appear as a hyphenated form when modifying a noun, such as "husband-and-wife partnership."

Etymology and usage. The term "husband" originates from Old English husbonda, meaning the head of a household, while "wife" derives from wif, meaning woman. Historically, the pair conveyed a gendered division of labor, but modern usage centers on the marital relationship rather than specific roles. In many jurisdictions, "husband and wife" can refer to couples of any gender where same-sex marriage is legally recognized; many writers now prefer neutral terms in formal prose.

Legal and social context. Marriage is a civil contract in many countries, conferring rights and responsibilities related to property, inheritance, parental authority, and taxation. Social norms surrounding the roles of husbands and wives have evolved toward greater equality. Some contexts use "spouse" or "partner" as a neutral alternative, especially when gender is unknown or when describing a couple without implying a particular relationship dynamic.

Related terms include spouse, marriage, matrimony, household, and family.