to-be

adjective

tə-ˈbē 

: 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

Aside from a 2015 20th anniversary gig at (ready-to-be-razed) RFK Stadium, the Foos have mostly hit arenas and intimate specialty shows in the area. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

One photo shows the groom-to-be on bended knee, holding out a ring box to Madden. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Photographed by Juergen Teller The Ronaldos-to-be are an entertaining double act. — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Nelson begins her memoir with a real-time account of bottoming on the floor, face squished against cement, as topped by her transitioning husband-to-be Harry Dodge. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for to-be

• boob
• cube
• lube
• rube
• tube
• hypercube
• nanotube
• phototube

Kids Definition

to-be

adjective

tə-ˈbē

: that is to be : future

—often used in combination

a bride-to-be