: that is to be : future
usually used postpositively and often in combination
a bride-to-be

Examples of to-be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Texas Children's Hospital has opened a second maternal-fetal medicine location for mothers-to-be who are having a high-risk pregnancy. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026 Alysa Liu, the soon-to-be champion, got up from the leader’s chair as soon as Sakamoto left the ice surface. Nbc News, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026 The Chiefs turned McDuffie into an All-Pro, undrafted Charvarius Ward into a big-contract player, fourth-rounder L’Jarius Sneed into a big-contract player and seventh-rounder Jaylen Watson into a soon-to-be big-contract player. Sam McDowell 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026 In the soon-to-be 133 years since, it's become an indelible, indispensable hallmark of the city of Philadelphia. Siafa Lewis, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for to-be

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of to-be was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

to-be

adjective
tə-ˈbē
: that is to be : future
often used in combination
a bride-to-be
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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