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: 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.
While close friends, siblings, aunts or cousins, or coworkers typically throw parents-to-be a baby shower or sprinkle, the new parents themselves often host the sip and see. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025 Aspuru could be seen leading his soon-to-be-wife down the beach to their proposal spot. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025 Some soon-to-be retirees may want to stay put, but others may want to take advantage of this newfound freedom and move abroad. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025 With Yucca off the table, federal officials have gone back to the drawing board, looking at potential sites to accept some or all of the waste, either on an interim (still-to-be-determined period) or permanent basis. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 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

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Cite this Entry

“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 5 Dec. 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
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