As per
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage
mar·riage
noun \ˈmer-ij, ˈma-rij\
Definition of MARRIAGE
1
a (1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage> b: the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock c: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2
: an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially: the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
3
: an intimate or close union <the marriage of painting and poetry — J. T. Shawcross>
See marriage defined for English-language learners »
See marriage defined for kids »
Examples of MARRIAGE
It was his second marriage.
They have a very happy marriage.
Her first two marriages ended in divorce.
She has old-fashioned ideas about marriage.
couples living together before marriage
Many friends and relatives were present at their marriage.
a priest who has performed many marriages
a marriage of sweet and spicy flavors
a marriage of science and art
a marriage between form and function
Origin of MARRIAGE
Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to MARRIAGE
Synonyms: conjugality, connubiality, match, matrimony, wedlock
[+]more
Other Sociology Terms
bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture
Rhymes with MARRIAGE
carriage
Learn More About MARRIAGE
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "marriage"
Spanish-English Dictionary: Translation of "marriage"
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "marriage"
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: marriageable
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Marrano
All Words Near: marriage