Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Jump To:
  • to-be
    to-be
    adjective
    future; soon to be the thing specified (usually used in combination).
  • -to-be
    -to-be
    adjective
    (in combination) about to be; future
Synonyms

to-be

American  
[tuh-bee] / təˈbi /

adjective

  1. future; soon to be the thing specified (usually used in combination).

    bride-to-be.


-to-be British  

adjective

  1. (in combination) about to be; future

    a mother-to-be

    the bride-to-be

"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

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

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "to-be" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com