betrothed

American  

[bih-trohthd, -trawtht] / bɪˈtroʊðd, -ˈtrɔθt /

adjective

1. engaged to be married.

   She is betrothed to that young lieutenant.

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noun

1. the person to whom one is engaged.

   He introduced us to his betrothed.

betrothed British  

/ bɪˈtrəʊðd /

adjective

1. engaged to be married

   he was betrothed to her

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noun

1. the person to whom one is engaged; fiancé or fiancée

Other Word Forms

• unbetrothed adjective

Etymology

Origin of betrothed

First recorded in 1530–40; betroth + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Sánchez has talents apart from her betrothed, too.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

You’ve surely seen these pictures: The newly betrothed couple walking back down the aisle, the bride and groom graciously taking in their champagne toasts, a few dizzying iPhone videos from a crowded dance floor.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2024

The year after she married, Andrej was betrothed to a clerk’s daughter; he later married her and became a Lutheran priest.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

You or your betrothed may be coming into the marriage with significant assets or property, and if you ever divorce, that can get sticky.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

"Glory to your betrothed," Ser Arys answered at once.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin