: that is to be : future
usually used postpositively and often in combination
a bride-to-be

Examples of to-be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By 2022, the US Olympic Planning Committee launched the Women’s Health Initiative, bringing together a collection of athletes and caregiver to create action plans to support mothers and mothers-to-be. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 The new stadium would be located within that 236 acres on a property just northwest of the Kansas Speedway and near the site of the soon-to-be new American Royal complex. Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026 Bride-to-be Brigitte Gorham is no stranger to the Super Bowl; she's been to four. Juli McDonald, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Trade rumors swirled around Skubal all winter, with his still-to-be-determined 2026 salary one of many complications in any potential deal. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for to-be

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of to-be was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

to-be

adjective
tə-ˈbē
: that is to be : future
often used in combination
a bride-to-be
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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