nuptial

1 of 2

adjective

nup·​tial ˈnəp-shəl 

-chəl,

nonstandard

-shə-wəl 

nonstandard

-chə-wəl 

1

: of or relating to marriage or the marriage ceremony

nuptial vows

nuptial bliss

2

: characteristic of or occurring in the breeding season

nuptial flight

nuptial

2 of 2

noun

: marriage, wedding

—usually used in plural

… preparations were instantly commenced for the approaching nuptials.

—W. H. Prescott

Synonyms

Adjective

• conjugal
• connubial
• marital
• married
• matrimonial
• wedded

Noun

• bridal
• espousal
• marriage
• wedding

Examples of nuptial in a Sentence

Adjective

newlyweds still in a state of nuptial bliss

Noun

their nuptials will take place at the university chapel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As fans have known since Bridgerton’s first season finale, Whistledown is none other than Penelope Featherington—the clever wallflower (played with verve and empathy by Nicola Coughlan) who has languished long enough without nuptial prospects to be considered an old maid. —Judy Berman, TIME, 16 May 2024

Notable nuptial attendees included Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Real Housewives of New York City’s Luann de Lesseps and legendary music producer Clive Davis. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

Noun

The pair planned their nuptials, but constant tabloid attention and interest in their relationship led the pair to postpone their wedding before eventually calling it off altogether in 2003. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 29 June 2024

The couple, who are expecting a child together, held their nuptials at the historic Mission Ranch in Carmel, California, where 130 friends and family members, including her seven siblings and 94-year-old legendary actor father attended the celebration. —Emily Strohm, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French nuptial, nupcial, borrowed from Latin nuptiālis "of a marriage or wedding," from nuptiae "marriage, wedding" (from nupta "married woman, bride," noun derivative from feminine of nuptus —past participle of nūbere "[of a woman] to get married"— + -iae, plural of -ia, denominal suffix of appurtenance) + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at nubile

Noun

derivative of nuptial entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1555, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nuptial

1 of 2 adjective

nup·​tial ˈnəp-shəl  -chəl 

1

: of or relating to marriage or a wedding

2

: typical of the breeding season

nuptial

2 of 2 noun

: wedding

—usually used in plural