wife

noun

ˈwīf 

plural wives ˈwīvz 

1

a

dialect : woman

b

: a woman acting in a specified capacity

—used in combination

fishwife

2

: a female partner in a marriage

wifehood

ˈwīf-ˌhu̇d 

ˈwī-ˌfu̇d

noun

wifeless

ˈwī-fləs 

adjective

Synonyms of wife

• lady
• woman
• spouse
• partner
• bride
• widow
• madam
• wifey
• Mrs.

Examples of wife in a Sentence

We met him and his wife.

a husband and wife who treat each other as equals in their marriage

Recent Examples on the Web

Bakker died Monday, his second wife, Lori Bakker, said in a statement. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Sánchez’s wife, brother and a former prime minister from his party are all facing different legal cases. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Kelce complemented his wife’s date night vibe and went with a polished look for the birthday celebration. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

One is Horsch's ex-wife, Amy McHale, 54, who was 44 when she was last seen on June 13, 2016, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported in June. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wif, from Old English wīf; akin to Old High German wīb wife and probably to Tocharian B kwīpe female pudenda

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wife

• estranged wife
• husband and wife
• take a wife/husband
• trad wife
• trophy wife

Rhymes for wife

• knife
• life
• rife
• strife
• afterlife
• pocketknife
• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• midlife

Kids Definition

wife

noun

ˈwīf 

plural wives ˈwīvz 

1

dialect : woman sense 1

2

: a female partner in a marriage