courtship

noun

court·​ship ˈkȯrt-ˌship 

: the act, process, or period of courting

Synonyms of courtship

• dating
• romance

Examples of courtship in a Sentence

They had a two-year courtship before marrying.

The male of the species often displays aggression during courtship.

the President's courtship of middle-class voters

Recent Examples on the Web

Popa, the author of two previous collections and the poetry editor for Publishers Weekly, has just published a new book inspired by pre-20th century letters of love and courtship. — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

This Is All Going To Take Time Sky and ITV’s courtship has already taken nine months to reach the point of announcing a deal. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Notably, female mantids sometimes kill males during courtship. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

Through it all, the growth of dating apps has changed how courtship is practiced. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for courtship

• airship
• airstrip
• clerkship
• equip
• filmstrip
• flagship
• headship
• heirship
• judgeship
• kinship
• lightship
• midship

Kids Definition

courtship

noun

court·​ship -ˌship 

: the act or process of courting