betroth

verb

be·​troth bi-ˈtrōt͟h How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
bē-
betrothed; betrothing; betroths
Synonyms of betrothnext

transitive verb

1
: to promise to marry
2
: to give in marriage

Examples of betroth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Later in 2025, Holland confirmed they were betrothed after correcting a reporter who referred to Zendaya as his girlfriend. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026 After being whisked away on honeymoons with their newly betrothed, the couples spend three weeks counting down to decision day at the altar. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026 Payne returns as Jacob, the son of Rebekah and Isaac and now betrothed to Rachel. Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 When Joe Ferrucci sees his betrothed, Madison Maidenberg, he is clearly caught off guard. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for betroth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from be- + trouthe truth, troth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betroth was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betroth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betroth. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

betroth

verb
be·​troth bi-ˈträth How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
-ˈtrōth
or with t͟h
: to promise to marry or give in marriage

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