: 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
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For a modern twist on the classic solitaire, to-be-weds may consider getting an east-west engagement ring or having the stone placed in a bezel setting. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 22 May 2026 The insider added that the mom-to-be repeatedly gushed over the ornate decorations. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 But every week and month counts for the US space program’s race to the Moon, and SpaceX’s position as a soon-to-be public company adds an extra dash of importance to what happens with Flight 12. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026 With deals up to 72 percent off, best-selling pieces surely won’t stay in stock long, so shop now before your soon-to-be new favorite travel outfit sells out. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 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 26 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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