courtship

American  

[kawrt-ship, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrt ʃɪp, ˈkoʊrt- /

noun

1. the wooing of one person by another.

2. the period during which such wooing takes place.

3. solicitation of favors, applause, etc.

4. Ethology. behavior in animals that occurs before and during mating, often including elaborate displays.

5. Obsolete. courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.

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courtship British  

/ ˈkɔːtʃɪp /

noun

1. the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry

2. the seeking or soliciting of favours

3. obsolete courtly behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of courtship

First recorded in 1580–90; court + -ship

Example Sentences

It is an easy act of courtship, such as buying flowers for a lover, but one whose love you already feel secure in.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gen Z has strong feelings about the stylistic imbalance that can doom a courtship; ‘It felt like a smack in the face.’

From The Wall Street Journal

Some attribute it to Austen’s role in ushering in the rom-com, and perfecting the “marriage plot” in her courtship novels.

From Los Angeles Times

He wooed his wife with poems during their long-distance courtship in the early 1980s and still writes her a love poem every day.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her cousin Cathy — who is 11 years her senior — also did not know the details of their courtship.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• courting
• engagement
• pursuit