to-be

[ tuh-bee ]

adjective

1. future; soon to be the thing specified (usually used in combination):

   bride-to-be.

-to-be

adjective

1. in combination about to be; future

   the bride-to-be

   a mother-to-be

Word History and Origins

Origin of to-be¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Lovers — former, and to-be — flirt in these gentle shadows; women swap stories about their home lives and their dreams; the employer exploits the laborers, and they, in turn, plot to steal his fruit.

From New York Times

“I recognize that a young, doe-eyed reality star to-be, wanting fame at any costs, doesn’t know what they’re signing, and they can’t afford a good lawyer,” Frankel added.

From Los Angeles Times

There was even a sign painting station in the southeast parking lot, where 13-year-old to-be eighth-grader Hunter Martini of Rohnert Park painted “STAY AND SELL.”

From Seattle Times

Renton School District’s 15,000 students will pilot the to-be finalized programs.

From Seattle Times

“I’m not naïve enough to think of that. But that’s why this job is so fun. I would never know Dolores from Las Vegas, who watches ‘The Five’ every day, and was moved to spend her time knitting this blanket for my to-be child, without speaking to people who don’t see the world the way that I do.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• destiny
• fate
• millennium
• outlook
• prospect