betrothal

noun

be·​troth·​al bi-ˈtrō-t͟həl  -ˈtrȯ- 

-thəl,

bē-

1

: the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed

2

: a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage

Synonyms

• engagement
• espousal
• troth

Examples of betrothal in a Sentence

They were both young at the time of their betrothal.

the couple's betrothal lasted four years

Recent Examples on the Web

Dobrev and White announced their betrothal to Vogue, which is only fair since White used the mag as a reason to trick Dobrev out of the house. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024

The couple have been celebrating their betrothal since January, averaging an event every six weeks. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 11 July 2024

Colin held his outstretched hand toward his carriage, beckoning for Penelope to come inside his home, despite the late hour, to announce their hasty betrothal. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 June 2024

Now many of these voters, disillusioned after their brief betrothal to the Tories, are flocking back to Labour. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

betroth + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

betrothal

noun

be·​troth·​al -ˈtrōt͟h-əl  -ˈtrȯth- 

-ˈtrōth-

: an engagement to be married