betrothal

noun

be·​troth·​al bi-ˈtrō-t͟həl How to pronounce betrothal (audio) -ˈtrȯ- How to pronounce betrothal (audio)
-thəl,
bē-
1
: the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed
2
: a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for betrothal

Word History

Etymology

betroth + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of betrothal was in 1683

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Cite this Entry

“Betrothal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betrothal. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

betrothal

noun
be·​troth·​al -ˈtrōt͟h-əl How to pronounce betrothal (audio) -ˈtrȯth- How to pronounce betrothal (audio)
-ˈtrōth-
: an engagement to be married

More from Merriam-Webster on betrothal

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