marriage

noun

mar·​riage ˈmer-ij 

ˈma-rij

1

a

see usage paragraph below : the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law

b

: the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock

c

: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage

2

: an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected

especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities

3

: an intimate or close union

the marriage of painting and poetry

—J. T. Shawcross

Usage of Marriage

The definition of the word marriage—or, more accurately, the understanding of what the institution of marriage properly consists of—continues to be highly controversial. This is not an issue to be resolved by dictionaries. Ultimately, the controversy involves cultural traditions, religious beliefs, legal rulings, and ideas about fairness and basic human rights. The principal point of dispute has to do with marriage between two people of the same sex, often referred to as same-sex marriage or gay marriage. Same-sex marriages are now recognized by law in a growing number of countries and were legally validated throughout the U.S. by the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. In many other parts of the world, marriage continues to be allowed only between men and women. The definition of marriage shown here is intentionally broad enough to encompass the different types of marriage that are currently recognized in varying cultures, places, religions, and systems of law.

Synonyms

• conjugality
• connubiality
• match
• matrimony
• wedlock

Examples of marriage in a Sentence

It was his second marriage.

They have a very happy marriage.

She has old-fashioned ideas about marriage.

couples living together before marriage

Many friends and relatives were present at their marriage.

a priest who has performed many marriages

a marriage of sweet and spicy flavors

a marriage of science and art

a marriage between form and function

Recent Examples on the Web

The documentary also includes snapshots of Stringfield’s life, such as dressing as a man to compete in motorcycle races and her many marriages (and penchant for younger men). —Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025

On Veterans Day in 2014, Taya founded the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation, which is dedicated to strengthening service marriages across the United States. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Jack, the first Black world heavyweight champion who is considered one of the most important boxers of all time, was active during the Jim Crow era, upsetting white supremacists with his success and his marriages to white women. —Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

Without an affordable façade, the poor structural integrity of the marriage’s foundation becomes an eyesore. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing marriage

• a marriage made in heaven
• anti-marriage
• arranged marriage
• Boston marriage
• by marriage
• celestial marriage
• civil marriage
• common-law marriage
• join in marriage
• join (someone) in marriage/matrimony
• marriage bed
• marriage certificate
• marriage counseling
• marriage guidance
• marriage license
• marriage of convenience
• mixed marriage
• open marriage
• plural marriage
• pre-marriage
• propose marriage
• proxy marriage
• shotgun marriage

Rhymes for marriage

• disparage
• miscarriage
• remarriage
• intermarriage

Kids Definition

marriage

noun

mar·​riage ˈmar-ij 

1

a

: the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law

b

: the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock

c

: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage

2

: an act of marrying

especially : a wedding ceremony

3

: a close union

a marriage of music and verse

Legal Definition

marriage

noun

mar·​riage ˈmar-ij 

1

: the state of being united to a person as spouse in a legal, consensual, and contractual relationship recognized and sanctioned by and dissolvable only by law see also divorce,Obergefell v. Hodges compare civil union

2

: the ceremony containing certain legal formalities by which a marriage relationship is created