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

As explained in the couple’s recent YouTube video, having a baby out of wedlock was thought to be taboo in Britain at the time — especially in the three decades after World War II. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had asserted that Oyo left a young heir born out of wedlock, but Tooro’s committee looked beyond that in picking Kijanangoma. — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had asserted that Oyo left a young heir born out of wedlock, but Tooro's committee looked beyond that in picking Kijanangoma. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Rydell had his critical breakthrough with the romantic drama Cinderella Liberty, with Caan starring as a sailor on leave in Seattle who falls for a pool-playing prostitute (Mason) who has a young son born out of wedlock. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 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