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

North of the city, half a dozen candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for Moulton's soon-to-be-former seat in the 6th Congressional District. — Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

The parents-to-be tied the knot in April 2014 and welcomed their first child, son Oliver Finlay, that May. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Scheffler’s soon-to-be new record will come with several asterisks. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Democratic primary winners in the District are prepping for their likely future roles with Spanish lessons and meetings with their soon-to-be colleagues. — Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 27 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