: 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.
To that point, Lorenze offers advice to any soon-to-be brides. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 Sponsorship opportunities are now available and exhibitor registration is now open for businesses eager to reach active retirees, soon-to-be retirees, and families of aging adults. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025 The movie's title is a play on The Upside Down, the thought-to-be decaying parallel world that mirrors Hawkins, Indiana, introduced in Season 1. Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025 Pitts and Tutty play a soon-to-be aunt and her nephew (a Broadway trend in the making? Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 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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