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

Norah and Magdalen learn that they were technically born out of wedlock and, because of a legitimacy codicil in their father’s will, are therefore unable to receive their parents’ money. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

The mother and child homes, under the auspices of the Catholic Church, sought to isolate women who had children out of wedlock from the rest of society. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Piero Davi was one of thousands of children born out of wedlock that the Vatican repackaged as orphans. — Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 12 July 2026

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