to-be

[tuh-bee]

adjective

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

   bride-to-be.

-to-be

adjective

1. (in combination) about to be; future

   a mother-to-be

   the bride-to-be

Word History and Origins

Origin of -to-be¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Related Words

• eventual 
• forthcoming 
• imminent 
• impending 
• planned 
• prospective 
• subsequent 
• ultimate