matrimony

noun

mat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈma-trə-ˌmō-nē 

: the state of being married : marriage

Synonyms

• marriage

Examples of matrimony in a Sentence

two people joined in matrimony

we intend to be joined in matrimony until “death do us part”

Recent Examples on the Web

Shame on you, Murder Bride, for giving anyone pause about entering the holy state of matrimony. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

The stock rose more than 3% in the session, presumably on a potential influx of Swifties looking for unique rings to mark their matrimony. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025

She was known as the famously reluctant bride of the Gilded Age who, despite her nuptials being the media event of a generation, did not go gently into matrimony. —Kristina Webb, USA Today, 16 July 2025

While legacy agencies might still operate like Victorian-era matchmakers, arranging introductions between clients and journalists with no promises of matrimony, Spynn functions more like a Las Vegas wedding chapel — quick, certain and surprisingly effective. —Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French matrimoignie, from Latin matrimonium, from matr-, mater mother, matron — more at mother

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing matrimony

• holy matrimony
• join (someone) in marriage/matrimony
• matrimony vine
• the bonds of holy matrimony

Rhymes for matrimony

• abalone
• acrimony
• alimony
• antimony
• ceremony
• chalcedony
• cicerone
• cosmogony
• eurozone
• lithopone
• macaroni
• naloxone

Kids Definition

matrimony

noun

mat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈma-trə-ˌmō-nē 

plural matrimonies

: the union of two people as spouses : marriage

matrimonial

ˌma-trə-ˈmō-nē-əl

-nyəl

adjective

matrimonially

-ē

adverb