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

Poetic License, written by Raffi Donatich, follows a soon-to-be empty nester (Leslie Mann) who audits a college poetry class after her family moves to a small college town. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Of the seven soon-to-be free agents, Singer seems to be the only candidate to receive a qualifying offer at the end of the season. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Ariana Grande’s mother, Joan Grande, is sticking by her daughter’s side amid her soon-to-be break from the spotlight. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

The 40,000-square-foot touring event, described as experiential and immersive, will open at a yet-to-be-determined location in San Francisco in early 2027. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 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