betrothal
noun
-ˈtrȯ-, -thəl,
bē-\
Definition of betrothal
1 : the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed
2 : a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage
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Examples of betrothal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Single women are prohibited because tiaras represent betrothal and unavailability. — Jessica Pan, The Cut, "The 10 Most Bizarre Royal Etiquette Rules," 17 May 2018 The Infanta, however, would not countenance a betrothal to a Protestant husband. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "In London, Investigating the Personal Collection of an Art-Obsessed Royal," 17 Feb. 2018 The king and queen went on to announce their daughter's betrothal. — Chanel Vargas, Town & Country, "The Story of Queen Elizabeth's Wedding Day," 4 Dec. 2017 The chemicals makers officially completed their deal Thursday, becoming DowDuPont after first announcing their betrothal in December 2015. — Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "Dow, DuPont merger finally complete nearly 2 years after deal reached," 1 Sep. 2017 Asked about putting a ring on it by Access Hollywood while promoting his new movie Burnt, the actor was a little bummed that everyone now knew about their betrothal. — Samantha Leal, Marie Claire, "Bradley Cooper Wanted His Engagement to Amy Schumer to Be a Secret," 15 Oct. 2015 Whether or not Meghan will land at Heathrow with an big ol’ ring on her finger (or, according to the Star, matching Zulu betrothal bracelets) is unclear. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Amid Engagement Rumors, Meghan Markle Gets Another Royal Stamp of Approval," 14 Aug. 2017 The dire agreement affects him almost as a betrothal might. — Benjamin Kunkel, The New Yorker, "A Neglected South American Masterpiece," 23 Jan. 2017 Given the acrimonious circumstances of their betrothal, that sex was almost certainly not consensual. — Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, "That 'White Princess' Rape Scene Was the Most Feminist Moment TV Has Seen in a Long Time," 17 Apr. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'betrothal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for betrothal
betrothal
noun
English Language Learners Definition of betrothal
: the act of promising to marry someone
: an agreement that two people will be married in the future
See the full definition for betrothal in the English Language Learners Dictionary
betrothal
noun
-ˈtrȯ-\
Kids Definition of betrothal
: an engagement to be married
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