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

If the soon-to-be iconic Alex Mill tote isn’t in your budget, don’t stress. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026

But these charming dwellings aren’t just found in the worlds of soon-to-be princesses or daring adventurers. — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2026

Her groom-to-be, Strautmann, personally chose the ring, which was designed by Antinori di Sanpietro, according to British society magazine Tatler. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

Two people are facing charges in the death of an 18-year-old soon-to-be mother who was shot and killed in Clairton earlier this summer. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 18 Sep. 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