matrimony

noun

mat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈma-trə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce matrimony (audio)
: the state of being married : marriage

Example Sentences

two people joined in matrimony we intend to be joined in matrimony until “death do us part”
Recent Examples on the Web Normally, such considerations wouldn't matter in the least to a Lamborghini-intender, but this isn't some scissor-doored supercar built for those bent on eschewing matrimony. Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 1 May 2023 However, Egyptian records don’t preserve such a matrimony. Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2020 So how do the moneyed elite handle matrimony? Chase Peterson-withorn, Forbes, 9 May 2021 So put those years of matrimony daydreaming and wannabe wedding planner energy to use, and help Sue realize her own vision. Wayne And Wanda, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Mar. 2023 More interesting, though, is that four of these movies center entirely on the planning and execution of a modern American wedding, grappling not with the concept of matrimony but explicitly with the wedding industrial complex and its profound psychological implications. Vulture, 27 Jan. 2023 The Marry Me actress has confirmed her matrimony in her newsletter. Vulture, 17 July 2022 His and Youssef’s burgeoning connection presents homosexuality not as a sordid lifestyle but fertile ground for intimacy as meaningful as that of heterosexual matrimony. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2023 Each book follows the eight Bridgerton siblings' path to matrimony. Nasha Smith, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matrimony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of matrimony was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near matrimony

Cite this Entry

“Matrimony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matrimony. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

matrimony

noun
mat·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈma-trə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce matrimony (audio)
plural matrimonies
: the union of two people as spouses : marriage
matrimonial
ˌma-trə-ˈmō-nē-əl
-nyəl
adjective
matrimonially
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on matrimony

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