elope

verb

\ i-ˈlōp

eloped; eloping

Definition of elope

1a : to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent … Waterman was a peevish child who grew into a defiant teenager, eloped at 18 largely to shock his father, and then—far too young—was a father himself. —Elizabeth Gilbert

b : to run away from one's husband with a lover " … when they had been married nearly seven years, and were within a few weeks of the time when the brother's death would have adjusted all, she eloped with a younger man, and left him." —Charles Dickens

2 : to slip away : escape … might have mistaken him for … some scarecrow eloped from a cornfield. —Washington Irving

Other Words from elope More Example Sentences Learn More about elope

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Examples of elope in a Sentence

The couple eloped in the middle of the night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last month, Ripa shared amazing throwback photos of her 1996 wedding to Consuelos -- when the two eloped in Las Vegas -- to celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary. — Fox News, "Kelly Ripa slams troll who questioned her work ethic after she shared vacation photos," 28 June 2018 Topper and the Real Housewives of New York City star were childhood sweethearts who eloped at age 18 before their families forced them to get an annulment. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Tinsley Mortimer’s Ex-Husband Topper Marries Shoe Designer Tabitha Simmons in New York City," 11 June 2018 Finding ministers hard to come by in Memphis, the couple rented a car and eloped to Arkansas. — Tommy Rowan, Philly.com, "Plaque honoring 'Men who served in World War II' includes two women," 24 May 2018 Two young residents of Verona, Italy from long-feuding families during the Renaissance meet at a party, immediately fall in love and decide to elope the next day since their parents will never approve of their union. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Pomerado News, "REVIEW: 'Romeo and Juliet' in Poway, a mix of modern with tradition," 11 July 2018 Kim eloped with the music producer in 2000 at the age of 19. — Sam Tornow, Billboard, "Young Love: 10 Celebrity Couples Who Got Engaged at Age 25 or Younger," 9 July 2018 Then Duke suddenly eloped with rock promoter Michael Tell. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "Patty Duke shares memories of Sharon Tate, Lucille Ball in her last book," 7 June 2018 Their 'preparation' predominantly consisted of coaxing players out of retreating back home, or otherwise eloping elsewhere, whilst simultaneously being extorted over team selection. — SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 6 Weeks to Go - The Own Goal That Killed Andres Escobar," 13 May 2018 Although Ruth taught Sunday school and had no boyfriend, the NYPD concluded that Ruth had eloped and closed the case. — Rachel Kaufman, Smithsonian, "An Elementary Lesson in Women’s Suffrage: “Timeless” Season 2, Episode 7, Recapped," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.