Definition of marriage
1a
see usage paragraph below
: the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law
c
: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2
: an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected
especially
: the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
3
: an intimate or close union
the marriage of painting and poetry— J. T. Shawcross
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for marriage
The first known use of marriage was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century