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

Bride-to-be Gracie Hunt, daughter of Kansas City Chiefs CEO and owner Clark Hunt, celebrated her multi-day bachelorette party in Mexico — a favorite vacation spot for her family — as the team prepared to meet the Jets in Kansas City Sunday. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

In the spring of 1940, the America First Committee’s one-day-to-be-president Gerald Ford openly opposed American involvement in hostilities. — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026

The soon-to-be roof and paving stones have been designed to reduce flood risks by capturing rainwater, which can then be stored underground and used for putting out flames. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Will Iger, the son of former Disney CEO and soon-to-be Los Angeles Lakers co-owner Bob Iger, is set to join the broadcast team for the Coachella Valley Lakers, the team announced Thursday. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 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