common-law marriage

noun

1

: a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and sometimes also on their cohabitation

2

: the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

common-law marriage

noun

: a marriage that is without a ceremony and is based on the parties' agreement to consider themselves married and usually also on their cohabitation for a period and their public recognition of the marriage compare concubinage

Note: Most jurisdictions no longer allow this type of marriage to be formed, although they may recognize such marriages formed prior to a certain date or formed in a jurisdiction that does permit common-law marriages.