to-be
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of to-be
First recorded in 1590–1600
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A lot of your music seems designed to be played in the club.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
It does not, of course, have to be this way.
From Slate • Jul. 2, 2026
Another parent said they would allow the kids to watch the match live, but expected them to be ready for school the next morning.
From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026
Gas-powered vehicles continue to be overwhelmingly popular, increasing to 80% of all power trains from 78% in the year-ago period, Cox said.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026
“A horse, or a mule, in Belle’s case, has to be sure-footed, able to balance. Even swim, if needed. River crossings test many a man, too.”
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.