First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
marriage
noun mar·riage \ˈmer-ij, ˈma-rij\
: the relationship that exists between a husband and a wife
: a similar relationship between people of the same sex
: a ceremony in which two people are married to each other
Full 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>
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Origin of MARRIAGE
Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry
Related to MARRIAGE
- Synonyms
- conjugality, connubiality, match, matrimony, wedlock
Other Sociology Terms
Rhymes with MARRIAGE
MARRIAGE Defined for Kids
marriage
noun mar·riage \ˈmer-ij\
Definition of MARRIAGE for Kids
1
: the state of being united in a legal relationship as husband and wife
2
: the act of getting married
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