-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
open marriage
noun
: a marriage in which the partners agree to let each other have sexual partners outside the marriage
Examples of open marriage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to a 2023 Pew Research study, more than half of people under 30 are comfortable with open marriages, for example, as opposed to 41% of those ages 30 to 49 (millennials and a sliver of Gen X).
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024
Couples in open marriages are able to explore their desires and preferences while still prioritizing their emotional connection and commitment to each other.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
The Pew Research study mentioned above says half of Americans think open marriages are somewhat or completely unacceptable.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 29 Nov. 2023
More alarming are those married couples in her practice who were in open marriages or already having multiple clandestine affairs and now are flouting guidelines by continuing to take new lovers.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 1 May 2020
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1971, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near open marriage
Cite this Entry
“Open marriage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20marriage. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share