engagement ring

American  

noun

1. a ring, often a diamond, given by a man to his fiancée at the time of their engagement as a token of their betrothal.

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engagement ring British  

noun

1. a ring given by a man to a woman as a token of their betrothal

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Etymology

Origin of engagement ring

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

When Kelley Long’s roughly two-year marriage ended, she fought to keep her diamond engagement ring, which she estimates cost $10,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Natalie's mother Bernadette told Belfast Crown Court that McCullagh had showed her an engagement ring after her death.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

And if you’re in the market for an engagement ring — it’s proposal season, after all — or a sparkly Valentine’s Day gift, then you should, too.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

The addition of the engagement ring helps sell the story.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2026

The truth is that the message in her instructions failed because a week after he put the engagement ring on Neola’s finger, the soon-to-be-groom at her wedding left the state.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison