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 of betrothal

• 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

When Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer publicly announced their betrothal in 1981, photos of her glittering sapphire engagement ring ricocheted across the globe. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Singer Sam Smith is reportedly engaged to British designer Christian Cowan, according to a source who allegedly overheard the couple discussing their betrothal in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel. — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

The pendant was believed to have been created in 1518 to celebrate the betrothal of Henry and Katherine’s daughter Mary to the French heir apparent. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026

Thus, Edward’s choice of ring sweetly honors the couple’s half-decade of dating before getting engaged, the joy of their betrothal, and their hope for their future together. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

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