Dictionary.com

courtship

[ kawrt-ship, kohrt- ]
/ ˈkɔrt ʃɪp, ˈkoʊrt- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR courtship ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the wooing of one person by another.
the period during which such wooing takes place.
solicitation of favors, applause, etc.
Ethology. behavior in animals that occurs before and during mating, often including elaborate displays.
Obsolete. courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU GUESS THESE WORDS FROM AROUND THE US?

American English is not always as it appears to be ... get to know regional words in this quiz!
Question 1 of 10
A bet is synonymous with a wager, but what does it mean in New York?
Often it means something is impossible.
It’s another way to agree with someone.
It serves as an apology.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of courtship

First recorded in 1580–90; court + -ship

Words nearby courtship

court plaster, Courtrai, court reporter, court roll, courtroom, courtship, courtship display, court shoe, courtside, court tennis, court tomb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to courtship

engagement, pursuit, courting, love, lovemaking, suit, wooing

Example sentences from the Web for courtship

British Dictionary definitions for courtship

courtship
/ (ˈkɔːtʃɪp) /

noun

the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry
the seeking or soliciting of favours
obsolete courtly behaviour
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012