paramour

[ par-uh-moor ]

noun

1. an illicit lover, especially of a married person.
2. any lover.

paramour

/ ˈpærəˌmʊə /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a lover, esp an adulterous woman
2. an archaic word for beloved

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramour¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from the phrase par amour “by love, through love,” from Old French par “by, through” (from Latin per per ( def ) ) + amo(u)r “love” ( amour ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramour¹

C13: from Old French, literally: through love

Example Sentences

I have not made a fortune yet, and I want to find a partner, not a paramour.

From Los Angeles Times

Why bother assembling at least two full royal courts without throwing in a jaded minister, a worldly wise paramour or a tart-tongued sibling?

From Los Angeles Times

Left intact was the building’s underground vault where couples and aspiring paramours from around the globe have secreted their totems and messages in tiny Love Boxes.

From New York Times

In 2023, Swift’s onetime paramour Harry Styles took the prize with his album “Harry’s House.”

From Los Angeles Times

Andrea Dyer Hastings, Ms. Wade’s lawyer, referred to Ms. Willis as the “alleged paramour of my client’s husband.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• admirer
• beau
• concubine
• lover
• mistress
• sweetheart