wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk 

: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony

Phrases

out of wedlock

: with the natural parents not legally married to each other

Synonyms

• conjugality
• connubiality
• marriage
• match
• matrimony

Examples of wedlock in a Sentence

joined the happy couple in holy wedlock

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the ongoing spectacle comes from the ways in which their Mormonism continually butts heads with their fairly progressive world views, from attending a burlesque show to having children out of wedlock and more. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2024

The restoration of virtue and bodily sanctity were of paramount importance, and many felt that having a child out of wedlock would threaten those aims. —Kali Nicole Gross / Made By History, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024

Alexander Hamilton was born out of wedlock and committed adultery. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024

In House of the Dragon lore, an affair out of wedlock would ordinarily rank as a minor indiscretion, but carries heavy emotional weight, given the relationship between Corlys and Rhaenys (Eve Best) was one based on love rather than politicking or expediency. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 21 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wedlok, from Old English wedlāc marriage bond, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wedlock

• born out of wedlock

Kids Definition

wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk 

: the state of being married