husband-and-wife
UK[ˈhʌzbənd ən(d) ˈwaɪf]US[ˈhʌzbənd ən(d) ˈwaɪf]
adj
Relating to or involving a married couple considered together.
Etymology
The term is a modern compound built from two of the most foundational words in the English language, both of ancient Germanic origin. 'Husband' derives from Old Norse 'húsbóndi', meaning "master of a house," while 'wife' comes from Old English 'wīf', meaning "woman." The conjunction 'and' (from Old English 'and', 'ond') links them, creating a unified concept. This compound lexicalizes the traditional legal and social unit of marriage, evolving from separate domestic roles into a single adjective describing joint participation or ownership, as in "a husband-and-wife business."
Analysis
This is a fixed compound adjective formed from two Old English nouns, 'husband' and 'wife', joined by the conjunction 'and'. It functions as a single lexical unit.
Examples
They run a successful husband-and-wife catering company.
The film is a charming husband-and-wife comedy about life in the suburbs.
The property was transferred under a husband-and-wife ownership agreement.