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

Pop star and Pennyworth actress Paloma Faith is channeling a Hollywood titan’s controversial past behavior amid her courtship with boyfriend Stevie Thomas. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

They were written between the era of their courtship, starting in 1762, through their time as the second president and first lady up until 1801, spanning their few months in the new White House relocated to its current location in Virginia. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

The story follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, played by Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, who navigate courtship and sisterhood following the death of their father and a sudden change in their fortunes. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Recruiting visits and months-long courtships are a thing of the past. — Chris Corr, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 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