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.
And the White House evidently wants its straight couples betrothed. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025 The benefit to New Yorkers are candidates who are not betrothed to special interests and the players have a level playing field (again, with that one exception). New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025 But an engagement announcement published five months earlier said she was betrothed to a Henry Strezelecki. Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 16 July 2024 Whether you’re betrothed or trying to manifest it, take a cue from Selena Gomez’s minimal approach with a sheer pink shade for something chic and timeless. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025 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 7 Aug. 2025.

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!