betrothal

American  

[bih-troh-thuhl, -traw-thuhl] / bɪˈtroʊ ðəl, -ˈtrɔ θəl /

Also betrothment

noun

1. the act or state of being betrothed; engagement.

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betrothal British  

/ bɪˈtrəʊðəl /

noun

1. engagement to be married

2. a mutual promise to marry

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Other Word Forms

• prebetrothal adjective

Etymology

Origin of betrothal

First recorded in 1835–45; betroth + -al ²

Explanation

A betrothal is an engagement, a promise to marry. If you want to sound fancy when you’re about to get married, just mention your betrothal, preferably to a duke or duchess. This 19th century word has roots meaning “faith” or “constancy,” and those meanings still hold — a betrothal is a promise to remain faithful and constant by getting married. A betrothal is basically a fancy word for an engagement. This word is slightly old-fashioned, and it also has an official, sophisticated flavor to it. After a proposal has been accepted, a couple will announce their betrothal to their friends and family. The couple is then betrothed to each other.

Example Sentences

The betrothal itself is a choreographed ritual of gestures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Then my four-year betrothal to a handsome, wonderful man had been called off, and I was left considering that I might have deliberately blown it up.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

Mr Baxter, who works as a lab technician, said he believed it was a betrothal ring.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2024

The betrothal culminates Sunday in a not-so-intimate ceremony at Allegiant Stadium, where the city will host its first-ever Super Bowl.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

He and his father had bought two silver rings, washed with gold, and silver earrings, and these his father had taken to the woman’s owner in acknowledgment of betrothal.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck