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

And that courtship is likely to start again this season.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Trump stepped up his courtship of Kim during a tour of Asia last year, saying he was "100 percent" open to a meeting.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

But this one stretches a basic courtship that could be covered in about 90 minutes, tops, over nine episodes and a total runtime landing between seven and eight hours.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

The message came with a photo of Donaldson carrying his bride under an arched walkway, plus a few pics from along their happy courtship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

The spectacular courtship displays of the cocks help loosen the soil beneath and around the sage, aiding invasion by grasses which grow in the shelter of sagebrush.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• courting
• engagement
• pursuit