betroth

verb

be·​troth bi-ˈtrōt͟h How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
bē-
betrothed; betrothing; betroths

transitive verb

1
: to promise to marry
2
: to give in marriage

Examples of betroth in a Sentence

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.
The film is a fairy tale that follows a young princess named Buttercup (Robin Wright) who suddenly gets betrothed to a vile prince despite already finding her one true love, Westley (Cary Elwes). Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 She’s been betrothed to 41-year-old producer Jonathan Davino since 2022. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2024 The next day, reports confirmed that she is betrothed to her boyfriend Cameron Fuller, son of prolific horror producer Brad Fuller. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2024 He was betrothed and married to Katherine Manners (Mirren Mack), an English noblewoman, five years before James' death. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for betroth 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from be- + trouthe truth, troth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near betroth

Cite this Entry

“Betroth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betroth. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

betroth

verb
be·​troth bi-ˈträth How to pronounce betroth (audio) -ˈtrȯth How to pronounce betroth (audio)
-ˈtrōth,
 or with  t͟h
: to promise to marry or give in marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on betroth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!