betrothed

American  

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

adjective

1. engaged to be married.

   She is betrothed to that young lieutenant.

---

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

---

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

Was he supposed to be betrothed to him forever, and be a mantlepiece for folk music until his death?

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2024

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

"And you, dog, away with you, you're scaring my betrothed."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin