betrothal

noun

be·​troth·​al bi-ˈtrō-t͟həl 

-ˈtrȯ-,

-thəl 

bē-

1

: the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed

2

: a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage

Synonyms

• engagement
• espousal
• troth

Examples of betrothal in a Sentence

They were both young at the time of their betrothal.

the couple's betrothal lasted four years

Recent Examples on the Web

Colin held his outstretched hand toward his carriage, beckoning for Penelope to come inside his home, despite the late hour, to announce their hasty betrothal. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 June 2024

Now many of these voters, disillusioned after their brief betrothal to the Tories, are flocking back to Labour. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 12 June 2024

As in the prior seasons, one of them is surely headed for a sultry betrothal by the final episode. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2024

The betrothal culminates Sunday in a not-so-intimate ceremony at Allegiant Stadium, where the city will host its first-ever Super Bowl. —Rio Yamat, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

betroth + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

betrothal

noun

be·​troth·​al -ˈtrōt͟h-əl  -ˈtrȯth- 

-ˈtrōth-

: an engagement to be married