marriage
mar·riage
noun \ˈmer-ij, ˈma-rij\Definition of MARRIAGE
1
a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage> b : the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock c : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2
3
: an intimate or close union <the marriage of painting and poetry — J. T. Shawcross>
See Examples of MARRIAGE
- It was his second marriage.
- They have a very happy marriage.
- Her first two marriages ended in divorce.
- She has old-fashioned ideas about marriage.
- couples living together before marriage
- Many friends and relatives were present at their marriage.
- a priest who has performed many marriages
- a marriage of sweet and spicy flavors
- a marriage of science and art
- a marriage between form and function
Origin of MARRIAGE
Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to MARRIAGE
Related Words: monogamy; bigamy, polyandry, polygamy, polygyny; intermarriage, miscegenation, mixed marriage, remarriage; cohabitation, common-law marriage; civil union, domestic partnership; attachment, commitment, relationship; betrothal, engagement, espousal, hand, pledge, promise, proposal, troth
Other Sociology Terms
Rhymes with MARRIAGE
Learn More About MARRIAGE
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