J. T. Shawcross
Usage of Marriage
The definition of the word marriage—or, more accurately, the understanding of what the institution of marriage properly consists of—continues to be highly controversial. This is not an issue to be resolved by dictionaries. Ultimately, the controversy involves cultural traditions, religious beliefs, legal rulings, and ideas about fairness and basic human rights. The principal point of dispute has to do with marriage between two people of the same sex, often referred to as same-sex marriage or gay marriage. Same-sex marriages are now recognized by law in a growing number of countries and were legally validated throughout the U.S. by the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. In many other parts of the world, marriage continues to be allowed only between men and women. The definition of marriage shown here is intentionally broad enough to encompass the different types of marriage that are currently recognized in varying cultures, places, religions, and systems of law.
Examples of marriage in a Sentence
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 June 2025
The unusual timeline was the result of second marriages and late-in-life fatherhood for the former president and, later, one of his sons.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
It’s said that only 1 in 5 Maronite marriages now are between members of the community.
—Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Kody's marriages to Meri, Janelle and Christine fell apart within a span of 14 months.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for marriage
Cite this Entry
“Marriage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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marriage
noun
Legal Definition
marriage
noun
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