: 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.
For gardeners, or hope-to-be gardeners, summer is the season to try to new plants, design a new garden bed, amend soil, and more. Hiranmayi Srinivasan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026 Dak Prescott is one example of the few times a groom-to-be will be spotted out with a would-be bridesmaid after calling it quits a month before the wedding in the Bahamas. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 Yolo County proposed about $9 million in cuts to its Health and Human Services Agency, including eliminating 32 vacant or soon-to-be-vacant positions and laying off 26 employees. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026 The Thunder are the reigning champions and are led by soon-to-be two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 16 May 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 19 May. 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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