wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk 

: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony

see also:

out of wedlock

Synonyms of wedlock

• marriage

Examples of wedlock in a Sentence

joined the happy couple in holy wedlock

Recent Examples on the Web

In 17th-century Massachusetts, Hester Prynne struggles to live in society after being forced to wear the letter A, for adulterer, after giving birth to a child out of wedlock. — Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Neither bride nor groom have kids from previous relationships out of wedlock. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026

The dream comes true for Evelyn, who marries a wealthy surgeon living in New York; meanwhile, Maggie is living in shame back home, after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

Wilde navigates the tonal shifts with authority, delivering surprises along the way, including an ending that somehow delivers hope for the institution of wedlock. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wedlok, from Old English wedlāc marriage bond, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wedlock

• born out of wedlock
• out of wedlock

Rhymes for wedlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk 

: the state of being married