noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK:/bɪˈtɹəʊ.ðəl/
Canada, US:/bɪˈtɹoʊ.ðəl/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Australian:/bɪˈtɹəʉ.ðəl/
Australian:/bɪˈtɹɐʉ.ðəl/
rhymes with -əʊðəl
1
noun
Meaning 1
The act of betrothing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
marriage betrothal
formal betrothal
announce a betrothal
Their betrothal was announced in the local newspaper.
The play ends with a wedding after a long betrothal.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The fact of being betrothed; a mutual promise, engagement, or contract for a future marriage between two people.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
the act of becoming betrothed or engaged
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: espousal
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: ritual, rite
4
noun
Meaning 4
a mutual promise to marry
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: troth, engagement
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: promise
Narrower terms: ringing
History
Etymology
From betroth + -al.
Across languages
Translations
99 source translations are retained for this English entry.