better half

noun

1. a person's wife.
2. a person's husband.

better half

noun

1. humorous.
   one's spouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of better half¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

When a moron ran onto the field in the second half and my better half missed it, there was enough of a delay that she was able to catch it “live” on the stream.

From Digiday

I will probably only return if my better half takes me there.

From The Daily Beast

I turned and saw my better half, Emily, letting loose like no one was looking.

From The Daily Beast

He fondly remembers enjoying the “wonderful senses of humor” possessed by both Romney and his better half, Ann.

From The Daily Beast

When seen riding the latter, he was asked the reason (it turned out that his better half had taken the good one).

From Project Gutenberg

I had read in a Hebrew book of an approved plan for a husband to secure lordship over his better half for life.

From Project Gutenberg

As we were going away old Quasho made his appearance, followed by Quashie, his better half.

From Project Gutenberg

Turn your mind from him with all the expedition in your power, or its peace may be touched for the better half of your life.

From Project Gutenberg

But here it appears to be the antipodes of all poetry and propriety, simply because man's better half is wanting.

From Project Gutenberg