wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony
Phrases
out of wedlock
: with the natural parents not legally married to each other

Examples of wedlock in a Sentence

joined the happy couple in holy wedlock
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.
Women brought the victims to her, babies born out of wedlock, perhaps one too many for a household or the mother too young. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 But he was instead mired in scandal, including mounting debts and lawsuits and backlash from two children born out of wedlock. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 Her father lost a leg in World War I, her mother was born out of wedlock, and her grandmother once labored in a workhouse for the poor. Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 That’s key because being born out of wedlock back then meant he was not allowed to go to the university, and therefore he doesn’t get spoiled by academic silos. Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wedlock 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wedlock was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near wedlock

Cite this Entry

“Wedlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedlock. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

wedlock

noun
wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
: the state of being married

More from Merriam-Webster on wedlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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