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

The soon-to-be bride and groom made their romance Instagram official in April 2023 and announced their engagement in March 2025. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Parents-to-be and new parents can expect a 60-item collection featuring baby apparel with cute patterns, including toile, gingham, and floral, as well as a football print overall set and sweater. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 20 July 2026

The soon-to-be 49-year-old has been a busy man since retiring from the NFL following the 2022 season. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Twenty years ago, at the famous party that combines glamour and charity, the Monegasque princess made one of her first public appearances alongside husband-to-be Prince Albert. — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 19 July 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