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.
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 Immediately, fans flooded the comments on her post asking if she's betrothed. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024 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 2 May. 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!