wedlock

[wed-lok]

noun

1. the state of marriage; matrimony.

wedlock

/ ˈwɛdlɒk /

noun

1. the state of being married

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wedlock¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wedlock¹

Old English wedlāc, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity, perhaps from lāc game, battle (related to Gothic laiks dance, Old Norse leikr )

Idioms and Phrases

see out of wedlock.

Example Sentences

It simply did not matter whether one was born white or black, male or female, Jew or Gentile, in wedlock or out, eldest or youngest, or born to citizen parents or alien parents.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Younger Americans view financial security as a prerequisite for wedlock, a shift that’s contributing to delayed or declining marriage rates.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Hamilton was born out of wedlock on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“You were dirt from the street, because you were born out of wedlock,” PJ said.

Read more on BBC

Both paint wedlock as a fortunate state, when it works.

Read more on Salon

When To Use

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.