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

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

In these verses, Hardy returns to their courtship in Cornwall, their later estrangement and Emma’s solitary last drive when “you passed the spot / Where eight days later you were to lie.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Pregnancy, nursing, sperm production, courtship behavior, and parental care all consume large amounts of energy.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• courting
• engagement
• pursuit