breach of promise

noun phrase

: violation of a promise especially to marry

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of breach of promise was in 1601

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Breach of promise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breach%20of%20promise. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

A Guide to Using Semicolons

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Popular in Wordplay

breach of promise

noun phrase

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on breach of promise

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

sui generis