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.
Examples of marriage in a Sentence
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
After his death, no proof of two of the marriages — or his son — could be found.
—Victoria Edel, People.com, 18 May 2025
Social segregation is also widespread; only 5% of marriages in India are inter-caste, according to the India Human Development Survey.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
The show starred Henderson and Reed as Carol and Mike Brady, who shared a blended family of three boys and three girls from previous marriages.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for marriage
Cite this Entry
“Marriage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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marriage
noun
Legal Definition
marriage
noun
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