marriage

noun

mar·​riage ˈmer-ij How to pronounce marriage (audio)
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 poetryJ. 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

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
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.
This is somewhat the case in the U.S.; a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center showed that though husbands and wives earn roughly equally in a growing share of heterosexual marriages, women in these households still spend more time on child care and chores. 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of marriage was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marriage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

marriage

noun
mar·​riage ˈmar-ij How to pronounce marriage (audio)
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 How to pronounce marriage (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on marriage

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