betroth

verb

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

transitive verb

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

Examples of betroth in a Sentence

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.
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 This is a risk because Cliff, of course, is already betrothed to the appealingly sensible Brittany. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 Colum shares a story about this guy named Graham, who no one has ever heard of, who was once betrothed to a Grant. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 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 16 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on betroth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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