wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony
Phrases
out of wedlock
: with the natural parents not legally married to each other

Examples of wedlock in a Sentence

joined the happy couple in holy wedlock
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.
In episode four, the Sea Snake refuses to show him any affection, and blocks his rise up the ranks, simply because he was born out of wedlock. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 Alfonsina, who fell pregnant by a colleague and had the child outside of wedlock. Teresa Grøtan (tr. Caroline Waight), The Dial, 12 Nov. 2024 Women brought the victims to her, babies born out of wedlock, perhaps one too many for a household or the mother too young. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 But he was instead mired in scandal, including mounting debts and lawsuits and backlash from two children born out of wedlock. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wedlock 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wedlok, from Old English wedlāc marriage bond, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wedlock was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near wedlock

Cite this Entry

“Wedlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedlock. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

wedlock

noun
wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
: the state of being married

More from Merriam-Webster on wedlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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