traditional marriage

American  

noun

1. Anthropology. the primary established form of marriage recognized in a given country or religious or social group at a given time.

   In that culture, traditional marriage requires the families of the future bride and groom to engage in ritual visits and exchange gifts.

2. marriage between one man and one woman (primarily used by opponents of same-sex marriage).

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Etymology

Origin of traditional marriage

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

It is a traditional marriage ceremony originating from the far north of Russia.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

Despite the economic slump, wedding halls are doing a brisk trade, buoyed in part by wealthier Afghan emigres returning home for traditional marriage ceremonies now that the security situation has improved.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

In 2012, its president and chief operating officer spoke in favor of traditional marriage, inviting protests from advocates for same-sex marriage.

From New York Times • May 31, 2023

Some wonder how the state has come to play such a prominent role in the Supreme Court’s consideration of whether same-sex marriage will be treated differently from traditional marriage.

From Washington Post • Dec. 4, 2022

Aunt Elisabet draped around our shoulders the traditional marriage cloth called nzole, a beautiful double-sized pagne that symbolizes the togetherness of marriage.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver