prenuptial agreement

noun

ˈprē-ˌnəp 

variants or less commonly prenup or prenuptial

: an agreement made between two people before marrying that establishes rights to property and support in the event of divorce or death

Prenuptial agreements have long been used by couples who want to set down the terms of any future divorce before they walk down the aisle.

—Desa Philadelphia

Even though there's a prenup, it's unclear how much of Liz's money Fortensky will end up with …

—Newsweek

Examples of prenuptial agreement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to the divorce being finalized, Pilar alleged a prenuptial agreement between her and Deion was forged in 2012. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

A lot of couples sign prenuptial agreements to protect an inheritance. —Christine Fletcher, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

According to the filing, Lenny and Lisa signed a prenuptial agreement before they wed in 2009, and, per the terms, Lenny will pay spousal support to Lisa. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024

According to Trina, her and Kearse Jr. exchanged vows without need for a prenuptial agreement, as she’s entrusted with handling all of her husbands finances, including expenses. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

prenuptial agreement

noun

pre·​nup·​tial agreement

prē-ˈnəp-shəl-, -chəl-

: antenuptial agreement