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.
Some House Republicans though argued the measure amounted to government interference, prevented the formation of stable families and would allow babies to be born out of wedlock.—Emma Murphy, Oklahoman, 7 May 2026 Why would a woman struggling with finding housing have four kids out of wedlock?—John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026 Acknowledging that most civil law now permits legitimization after the fact, some jurisdictions still discriminate against a child born out of wedlock.—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 Born out of wedlock to a teenage mom, growing up under the oppressive cloud of segregation, confined to schools, sports facilities, movie theaters that were separate and unequal.—CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wedlock
Word History
Etymology
Middle English wedlok, from Old English wedlāc marriage bond, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity