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

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

The social math was layered: Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King could be counted as the bride’s guests, but Winfrey, in particular, is a brilliant content creator and mogul and has every pertinent reason to show up to celebrate the betrothal of the owner of Amazon MGM. —Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Standing in the lovers’ way is Brandon’s lower rank, Mary’s betrothal to the French king, and the occasional assassination plot. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024

But when Esther flees a betrothal in favor of a lover from Faerie, the sisters will have to draft a far darker ballad to save their lives. —Natalie Zutter january 2, Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2025

The couple posted from Paris, where the betrothal appears to have gone down. —Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

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