marriage

noun

mar·riage | \ ˈmer-ij

, ˈma-rij\

Definition of marriage

1a see usage paragraph below : the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law

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

Synonyms Usage of Marriage More Example Sentences Learn More about marriage

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Usage of Marriage

The definition of the word marriage—or, more accurately, the understanding of what the institution of marriage properly consists of—continues to be highly controversial. This is not an issue to be resolved by dictionaries. Ultimately, the controversy involves cultural traditions, religious beliefs, legal rulings, and ideas about fairness and basic human rights. The principal point of dispute has to do with marriage between two people of the same sex, often referred to as same-sex marriage or gay marriage. Same-sex marriages are now recognized by law in a growing number of countries and were legally validated throughout the U.S. by the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. In many other parts of the world, marriage continues to be allowed only between men and women. The definition of marriage shown here is intentionally broad enough to encompass the different types of marriage that are currently recognized in varying cultures, places, religions, and systems of law.

Examples of marriage in a Sentence

It was his second marriage. They have a very happy marriage.

Recent Examples on the Web

A few hours later, a taxi dropped us at the Las Vegas Office of Civil Marriages. — Noel Anenberg, WSJ, "Don Rickles Will Always Be Our Best Man," 10 Apr. 2017 For centuries, the island was the traditional meeting place to hand off brides and grooms when important royal marriages were arranged between France and Spain. — Ken Jennings, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why Pheasant Island Is Sometimes in France, Sometimes in Spain," 27 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'marriage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for marriage

marriage

noun

English Language Learners Definition of marriage

: the relationship that exists between a husband and a wife

: a similar relationship between people of the same sex

: a ceremony in which two people are married to each other

See the full definition for marriage in the English Language Learners Dictionary

marriage

noun

mar·riage | \ ˈmer-ij

Kids Definition of marriage

1 : the state of being united in a legal relationship as husband and wife

2 : the act of getting married

marriage

noun

mar·riage | \ ˈmar-ij

Legal Definition of marriage

1 : the state of being united to a person as spouse in a legal, consensual, and contractual relationship recognized and sanctioned by and dissolvable only by law — see also divorce,Obergefell v. Hodges — compare civil union

2 : the ceremony containing certain legal formalities by which a marriage relationship is created

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marriage

Definition of marriage

Synonyms for marriage

Usage of Marriage

Examples of marriage in a Sentence

First Known Use of marriage

History and Etymology for marriage

English Language Learners Definition of marriage

Kids Definition of marriage

Legal Definition of marriage

marriage

Definition of marriage

Synonyms for marriage

Usage of Marriage

Examples of marriage in a Sentence

First Known Use of marriage

History and Etymology for marriage

English Language Learners Definition of marriage

Kids Definition of marriage

Legal Definition of marriage

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