civil union

noun

: the legal status that ensures to same-sex couples specified rights and responsibilities of married couples

Examples of civil union 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.
Since 2003, the Polish parliament has discussed legalizing civil unions at least five times—but each time, the proposals have foundered for want of government support. Marta Figlerowicz, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2019 Mary and Romain entered into a civil union in 2018, and celebrated their nuptials with a wedding ceremony the following year. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 24 Sep. 2024 In 2018, Mary entered a civil union with her husband Romain Bonnet, celebrating their nuptials with a wedding ceremony the following year. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2024 Liechtenstein legalized civil unions in a 2011 referendum. Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for civil union 

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civil union was in 1992

Dictionary Entries Near civil union

Cite this Entry

“Civil union.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20union. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

civil union

noun
: the legal status that ensures to same-sex couples specified rights and responsibilities of married couples

Note: Following Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. ___ (2015), civil unions in some states were converted to marriages by operation of law, or could be converted by action of the couple.

More from Merriam-Webster on civil union

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!