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

Anne proudly wore her engagement ring on air.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

A week after I purchased the insurance, my fiancée misplaced her engagement ring.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

The addition of the engagement ring helps sell the story.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2026

From there, after purchasing by check a diamond engagement ring and a diamond wedding band, they drove to a pawnshop to dispose of these items.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote