: 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.
Much to her dismay, Allura discovers that her soon-to-be-ex has retained the services of Carrington Lane (Paulson), a rival attorney who still holds a grudge against Allura, Liberty and Emerald for leaving her behind at their old firm. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025 Projected board member-to-be Kari Armbruster came in fourth place behind CPS' three incumbents in the race for four board seats that oversee the region's largest district, serving nearly 35,000 students across 66 schools. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2025 Her baby bump, with soon-to-be-daughter Carmen Rosa inside, was also proudly on display. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025 Throughout the day, on the 32nd day of the federal government shutdown, the soon-to-be MSNOW previewed Obama’s appearance in the Garden State. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!