SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

breach of promise

noun phrase
Save Word

Definition of breach of promise

: violation of a promise especially to marry

First Known Use of breach of promise

1601, in the meaning defined above

Learn More About breach of promise

Time Traveler for breach of promise

Time Traveler

The first known use of breach of promise was in 1601

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near breach of promise

breach of privilege

breach of promise

breach of the peace

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for breach of promise

Cite this Entry

“Breach of promise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breach%20of%20promise. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on breach of promise

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breach of promise

WORD OF THE DAY

teem

Listen to the pronunciation of teem

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Word Does Not Belong?

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games