: 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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Launching in 1976, the hugely influential SCTV would feature some of the most soon-to-be-superstar comedians of the era. Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026 Gaudí, who also designed the city’s yet-to-be-finished Sagrada Família Basilica, was a pillar of the Modernisme period, Spain’s unique version of Art Nouveau. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026 Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Gilda Radner and a cast of other soon-to-be luminaries were part of the Toronto company, and Second City had rapidly become a popular nightspot. Lynn Hirschberg, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026 Coughlan glowed in Penelope's wedding dress and shared a look with her husband-to-be, Colin. Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 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 6 Feb. 2026.

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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