betroth

verb

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

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.
That war was triggered when the Mad King’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen, seemingly abducted Lyanna Stark, who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon. Ryan Brennan april 3, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 The whole conflict was triggered when the Mad King’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding), seemingly abducted Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi), who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon. Ryan Brennan april 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026 The conflict was triggered when the Mad King’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding), seemingly abducted Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi), who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon. Ryan Brennan april 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Things get complicated when a new client (Isabel May) hires Lou, who then discovers her betrothed is a college friend and longtime crush (Manny Jacinto). Matt Donnelly, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betroth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betroth. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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