: 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
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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation. Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026 Michael Corleone tells his soon-to-be wife how his father was able to establish himself as a ruthless negotiator. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026 Just look at Miami-native and soon-to-be top NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 Cassie is now a bored California housewife-to-be, dabbling in OnlyFans for extra money for her blowout wedding, and Maddy, a promising talent agent with a nose for spotting clients who can make her a killing. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

to-be

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