matrimony

[ma-truh-moh-nee]

noun

plural

matrimonies 

1. the state of being married; marriage.

   He was married in 1870 and lived in matrimony 12 years.

2. the rite, ceremony, or sacrament of marriage.

   The priest has united them in the bonds of holy matrimony.

matrimony

/ ˈmætrɪmənɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being married

2. the ceremony or sacrament of marriage

3. 1. a card game in which the king and queen together are a winning combination

   2. such a combination

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrimony¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin mātrimōnium wedlock. See matri-, -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrimony¹

C14: via Norman French from Latin mātrimōnium wedlock, from māter mother

Example Sentences

Rabbi Joshua Skoff announced the winner in the anniversary derby, a couple celebrating 55 years of matrimony.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I still would like to get married,” says Parker, who had a brief matrimony during his playing days that was annulled after less than a week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Such an alliance is an unholy matrimony since Yarvin and his student technocrats seem only to be focused on a marriage of monarchism and kleptocracy.

Read more on Salon

Before you knew it, Beatrice and Nigel were united in the bonds of matrimony, sealed with a kiss.

Read more on Literature

July 1, 2015 The Episcopal Church permits any couple the rite of matrimony.

Read more on Seattle Times