Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

common-law-wife

Noun

/ˌkɒm.ən.lɔː.waɪf/

Definition

A common-law wife is a woman who is considered to be legally married to a man without having undergone a formal marriage ceremony, based on the couple’s long-term relationship and their mutual agreement to be married.

Examples

After several years together, she became his common-law wife when they decided to live as a married couple without a formal wedding.
The couple enjoyed the benefits of being recognized as common-law partners under the law.

Meaning

The term indicates a relationship status where a couple lives together in a marriage-like relationship without an official marriage certificate or ceremony.