betroth

verb

be·​troth bi-ˈtrōt͟h How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
bē-
betrothed; betrothing; betroths
Synonyms of betrothnext

transitive verb

1
: to promise to marry
2
: to give in marriage

Examples of betroth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Things get complicated when a new client (Isabel May) hires Lou, who then discovers her betrothed is a college friend and longtime crush (Manny Jacinto). Matt Donnelly, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 After being whisked away on honeymoons with their newly betrothed, the couples spend three weeks counting down to decision day at the altar. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026 Payne returns as Jacob, the son of Rebekah and Isaac and now betrothed to Rachel. Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 When Joe Ferrucci sees his betrothed, Madison Maidenberg, he is clearly caught off guard. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for betroth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from be- + trouthe truth, troth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betroth was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betroth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betroth. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

betroth

verb
be·​troth bi-ˈträth How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
-ˈtrōth
or with t͟h
: to promise to marry or give in marriage

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