partners

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of partner.

   All four partners share the firm's profits equally.

   The dance instructor paired up the remaining partners for the final routine.

   Note

   A regular plural that gathers very different relationships under one spelling: business partners, dance partners, partners at cards or doubles tennis, and partners who share a home. Context usually settles which is meant. The same letters also spell the present-tense verb, but a determiner or number in front (the partners, four partners) marks the noun. In the plural possessive the apostrophe follows the s: the partners' agreement.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of partner.

   The charity partners with several hospitals to deliver free care.

   He partners his younger sister whenever the class practices the waltz.

   Note

   The verb works in two constructions. With a direct object it means to act as someone's partner: he partners his sister in the waltz. Without an object it usually takes with, the usual pattern for organizations joining forces: the agency partners with local schools. To choose between them, ask whether the ally follows directly or after with. Only a singular subject takes this -s form. Plural subjects use partner.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2