wedding

[wed-ing]

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.

adjective

1. of or relating to a wedding.

   the wedding ceremony; a wedding dress.

wedding

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wedding¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see shotgun wedding.

Synonym Study

See marriage.

Example Sentences

He didn’t come to our wedding or acknowledge it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Women ululated—a rousing, high-pitched vocal sound usually reserved for joyous events like festivals and weddings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Joyce, a single mother, stresses over her long-grown daughter’s impending wedding.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With its Golden Gate Bridge views, the beach is a magnet for wedding parties, such as one seen schlepping across an empty parking lot after a photo shoot this week.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

James Adams, a 31-year-old graphic designer from Kingswood, said his girlfriend had asked him to cancel his subscription because they were saving for a wedding.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• marriage