wedding

American  

[wed-ing] / ˈwɛd ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or ceremony of marrying; marriage; nuptials.

2. the anniversary of a marriage, or its celebration.

   They invited guests to their silver wedding.

3. the act or an instance of blending or joining, especially opposite or contrasting elements.

   a perfect wedding of conservatism and liberalism.

4. Business Slang. a merger.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a wedding.

   the wedding ceremony; a wedding dress.

wedding British  

/ ˈwɛdɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the act of marrying or the celebration of a marriage

   2. ( as modifier )

      wedding day

2. the anniversary of a marriage (in such combinations as silver wedding or diamond wedding )

3. the combination or blending of two separate elements

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wedding Idioms  

1. see shotgun wedding.

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Related Words

See marriage.

Etymology

Origin of wedding

First recorded before 900; Middle English “matrimony, wedlock, marriage,” Old English weddung “betrothal”; wed, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

While Hal and Lois are excited as they prepare to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, their joy is derailed when they finally confront Malcolm.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Mrs Sanchez said: "I can look back and laugh now that we hitchhiked to our wedding!"

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

A wedding is being celebrated in Helsinki in the 2000s; at the same time, seven people existing in the “world of memory” recall a tragic event that took place 10 years earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The Times followed up with a report on Hovater’s fondness for “Seinfeld,” his wedding registry at Target, four cats and Midwestern manners that would, as reporter Richard Fausset wrote, “please anyone’s mother.”

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Even unto the distant day of her wedding.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• marriage