nuptial

1 of 2

adjective

nup·​tial ˈnəp-shəl How to pronounce nuptial (audio)
-chəl,
nonstandard
-shə-wəl How to pronounce nuptial (audio)
nonstandard
-chə-wəl How to pronounce nuptial (audio)
1
: of or relating to marriage or the marriage ceremony
nuptial vows
nuptial bliss
2
: characteristic of or occurring in the breeding season
nuptial flight

nuptial

2 of 2

noun

: marriage, wedding
usually used in plural
… preparations were instantly commenced for the approaching nuptials.W. H. Prescott

Examples of nuptial in a Sentence

Adjective newlyweds still in a state of nuptial bliss Noun their nuptials will take place at the university chapel
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that Planning the international nuptial adventure for two was an easy experience thanks to the help of Andrea Naar Alba of Italian Weddings and Events. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2024 Knoblauch attributes the region’s nuptial popularity to the delicious essence of the Finger Lakes—primarily its food and wine, showcased by rich farmers markets and growing cideries and creameries. Kelsy Chauvin, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Nov. 2023 Originally worn as a sign of modesty and a symbol of good luck, the wedding day adornment is now seen by many brides as a means of adding an ethereal note to their nuptial ensemble. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 Many couples are absolutely ecstatic to forgo the traditional nuptial route, with all its stressful planning, and excite friends and family with an invite to an off-the-cuff celebration. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2023 There is apparently a special that will air after the season 13 finale where fans can watch the full nuptial celebrations, per US Weekly. Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 6 Feb. 2023 Male nuptial gift-giving spiders will display a different death feigning behavior called thanatosis. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023 This style is perfect for fall and winter weddings and adds a sophisticated touch to any nuptial guest's outfit. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2023 Last year, researchers confirmed that females with the glucose aversion mutation actively avoided male nuptial gifts. Popsci Staff, Popular Science, 5 July 2023
Noun
Though they got engaged on the season finale — and remained together throughout reunion taping — a bombshell edit at the end of the final episode informed viewers that Rae and Lexi had called off their nuptials. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 The nuptials came six months after Albie and Chelsea announced their engagement on Instagram and Chelsea hinted that starting a family was on the cards for the couple. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Whether the nuptials take place in an iconic sculpture garden or someone’s backyard, the outdoor setting during the light of day calls for easy elegance and sensible footwear. Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 Sandler plays a middle-class construction worker while Rock is a wealthy doctor, and the two can never see eye-to-eye, especially when every aspect of the nuptials begins to fall apart. Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Go big or go home — Rihanna has landed in India ahead of the nuptials of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, whose pre-wedding party she’s set to perform at. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Feb. 2024 Buddy-Buddy Honeymoon: Some newlyweds are seeking some rest and relaxation after their nuptials — with 25 of their nearest and dearest. Sadiba Hasan, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 In the trailer, Maddie travels to Ireland for the nuptials of Paul (Alexander Vlahos), a writer for whom she’s been working as a book editor. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2024 In September 2003, Affleck and Lopez postponed their nuptials just a few days before they were set to walk down the aisle. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuptial.' 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

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French nuptial, nupcial, borrowed from Latin nuptiālis "of a marriage or wedding," from nuptiae "marriage, wedding" (from nupta "married woman, bride," noun derivative from feminine of nuptus —past participle of nūbere "[of a woman] to get married"— + -iae, plural of -ia, denominal suffix of appurtenance) + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at nubile

Noun

derivative of nuptial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuptial was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near nuptial

Cite this Entry

“Nuptial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuptial. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nuptial

1 of 2 adjective
nup·​tial ˈnəp-shəl How to pronounce nuptial (audio) -chəl How to pronounce nuptial (audio)
1
: of or relating to marriage or a wedding
2
: typical of the breeding season

nuptial

2 of 2 noun
: wedding
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on nuptial

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