husband

[ huhz-buhnd ]

noun

1. a married man, especially when considered in relation to his partner in marriage.
2. British. a manager.
3. Archaic. a prudent or frugal manager.

verb (used with object)

1. to manage, especially with prudent economy.
2. to use frugally; conserve:

   to husband one's resources.

   Synonyms: hoard, store, save, preserve

3. Archaic.
   1. to be or become a husband to; marry.
   2. to find a husband for.
   3. to till; cultivate.

husband

/ ˈhʌzbənd /

noun

1. a woman's partner in marriage
2. archaic.
   1. a manager of an estate
   2. a frugal person

verb

1. to manage or use (resources, finances, etc) thriftily
2. archaic.
   1. tr to find a husband for
   2. (of a woman) to marry (a man)
3. obsolete.
   tr to till (the soil)

Derived Forms

• ˈhusbandless, adjective
• ˈhusbander, noun

Other Words From

• husband·er noun
• husband·less adjective
• un·husband·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of husband¹

before 1000; Middle English husband ( e ), Old English hūsbonda master of the house < Old Norse hūsbōndi, equivalent to hūs house + bōndi ( bō-, variant of bū- dwell ( boor ) + -nd present participle suffix + -i inflectional ending)

Word History and Origins

Origin of husband¹

Old English hūsbonda, from Old Norse hūsbōndi, from hūs house + bōndi one who has a household, from bōa to dwell

Example Sentences

His colleague painted a devastating picture of Ms Pelicot’s life since her husband’s crimes had become known.

From BBC

‘One Tree Hill’ actor Bevin Prince opens up about the death of her husband, Will Friend, five months after he was struck by lightning.

From Los Angeles Times

Shears went on to thank his family, friends, collaborators — and the show’s eponymous evangelist, whose life rights John and his husband, David Furnish, acquired 12 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

He said Hutchins' husband, Matt, convinced him to complete the film, which is dedicated to her.

From BBC

Her former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer, were handed prison terms of one year and four months, and two years respectively, for hiding evidence to help her evade prosecution.

From BBC

Related Words

• companion
• partner
• spouse