: 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
There are only the vaguest hints about what’s to come in flashbacks to happy moments from the couple’s life together, which give way to frenzied scenes from the wedding day, including the husband-to-be with a bloody nose.
—
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
The latest support comes from Dano’s soon-to-be coworker, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who was just announced to be co-starring alongside him in the upcoming psychological thriller Bunker from Oscar-winner Florian Zeller.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Each year, however, International Living helps point soon-to-be-retirees in the right direction by releasing its Annual Global Retirement Index.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025
Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli might not be the obvious choice for celebrity mothers-to-be, but seemingly, there’s a taste for it.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for to-be
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.
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
The latest support comes from Dano’s soon-to-be coworker, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who was just announced to be co-starring alongside him in the upcoming psychological thriller Bunker from Oscar-winner Florian Zeller.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Each year, however, International Living helps point soon-to-be-retirees in the right direction by releasing its Annual Global Retirement Index.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025
Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli might not be the obvious choice for celebrity mothers-to-be, but seemingly, there’s a taste for it.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for to-be
Cite this Entry
“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share