partner

Partner is a term used in several common senses. In general, a partner is a person who shares in some activity, ownership, or relationship with another person or organization.

In personal life, a partner is someone with whom one maintains a close relationship, such as a spouse or significant other. The term is widely used to refer to both heterosexual and non-heterosexual couples and is often preferred for its neutrality. Domestic partner status may carry specific legal or social recognition in some places.

In business contexts, a partner is a co-owner of a business or venture. Partnerships can be general, with partners sharing profits and bearing debts, or limited, with some partners contributing capital but having limited liability and little management role. A partnership agreement typically outlines profit sharing, decision rights, duties, and procedures for admitting new partners or dissolving the partnership.

In professional services, firms such as law or accounting often refer to senior members as partners, who may have a path to ownership (equity partner) or be salaried partners. In other contexts, partner can mean ally or collaborator in a project or initiative, and in activities such as dance or sports, a partner is the person one performs with.

Usage notes: meanings vary by jurisdiction; the term aims to be gender-neutral and inclusive. When precision is required, it is helpful to specify the exact role or relationship, such as spouse, domestic partner, general partner, or equity partner.