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

As recently as earlyJuly, Parton put out a video thank you to Swift and then soon-to-be hubby Travis Kelce for including a $2 million donation to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

The soon-to-be mom of two, whose baby girl is due in September, tells PEOPLE that her pregnancy came as a complete shock. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Brazil is the first South American nation to host the tournament and will play in the opener on June 24 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the 73,000 seat Maracana, which also hosted the 2014 men's World Cup final. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Aside from a 2015 20th anniversary gig at (ready-to-be-razed) RFK Stadium, the Foos have mostly hit arenas and intimate specialty shows in the area. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 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