: 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.
Now, Anna is a mom to teenager Harper (Julia Butters) and soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily (Sophia Hammons) as her wedding to Eric (Manny Jacinto) approaches. Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Well, the soon-to-be mother of four was not a fan of this energy. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025 But what should’ve been a happy occasion turned into tragedy when the father-in-law-to-be was found murdered the night before the big day, and all eyes pointed to Jocelyn. Claire Franken, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025 Dario’s debut for Versace was all in the mix; the Gianni refs, the vintage-y layering and eclecticism, the youthful offhand sexiness and dare-to-be different vibe. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 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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