marriage equality
Americannoun
-
the state of having the same rights and responsibilities of marriage as others, regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
-
legal recognition of the rights of marriage regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
If it becomes law, the bill would establish marriage equality for same-sex couples.
Etymology
Origin of marriage equality
First recorded in 1995–2000
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A recent Gallup poll has found that after years of steady gains, support for marriage equality and same-sex relationships has slipped, particularly among Republicans.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
“Now, Rob and Michelle Reiner became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality across the United States.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
Reiner was also a longtime influential player in Democratic politics, which included co-founding an organization that played a pivotal role in the fight for marriage equality.
From Salon • Dec. 16, 2025
The ECJ's ruling was welcomed by Katarzyna Kotula, a secretary of state and coalition ally of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said it was an important step on the path to marriage equality.
From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025
Just two years after the decision, Chief Justice John Roberts seems to have quietly joined a follow-up ruling affirming its protections for same-sex parents, suggesting that he had made his peace with marriage equality.
From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
