wedlock

American  

[wed-lok] / ˈwɛdˌlɒk /

noun

1. the state of marriage; matrimony.

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wedlock British  

/ ˈwɛdlɒk /

noun

1. the state of being married

2. born when one's parents are not legally married

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wedlock Idioms  

1. see out of wedlock.

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Usage

What does wedlock mean? Wedlock is the state of being married. The term is rarely used by itself simply to refer to the state of marriage other than in very formal religious contexts. Instead, wedlock is most commonly used in criticism of the actions of couples who are not married, most especially in the phrase born out of wedlock—meaning born when one's parents are not legally married. This phrase and the beliefs and criticisms that go with it are often themselves criticized for stigmatizing children and their parents when those parents are not married or were not married at the time of the birth. Other instances of the use of the word wedlock also involve criticism of actions taken by partners who are not married, such as living together or engaging in sexual activity out of wedlock.

Etymology

Origin of wedlock

before 1100; Middle English wedlok, Old English wedlāc literally, a pledging, equivalent to wed pledge ( see wed) + -lāc verbal noun suffix

Explanation

The noun wedlock means marriage; you might describe your newly-married sister as "entering the magical state of wedlock." Wedlock is an old-fashioned word for matrimony, the state of being married. It comes up most often in the phrase "out of wedlock," when gossipers are describing a baby born to unmarried parents. Even though wedlock sounds like it would have a root meaning of "locked into marriage," it actually comes from the Old English wedlac, from wed, "pledge," and lac, which denotes action.

Example Sentences

And the 1970s saw her publish a flurry of books aimed at helping readers navigate the minefields of romance, including Men and Super Men, Woman and Superwomen, and Work & Wedlock.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2025

As in her previous book, Wedlock, which portrayed Mary Eleanor Bowes and her disastrous and cruel marriage, Moore has again found an excruciatingly gruesome and fascinating story.

From The Guardian • Jan. 4, 2013

Dr Karen Wedlock, the GP who referred Anton to hospital for a hernia, said the carry cot looked as though the nappies had been allowed to overflow, causing staining.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2012

In Toronto, a court prepared to hear the divorce case of Wedlock v.

From Time Magazine Archive

Come, Goddess of Wedlock, the Incan princess implored, Come unite me to the conqueror, whom I adore!

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson