matrimony

[ ma-truh-moh-nee ]

noun

, plural mat·ri·mo·nies

1. the state of being married; marriage:

   He was married in 1870 and lived in matrimony 12 years.

2. the rite, ceremony, or sacrament of marriage:

   The priest has united them in the bonds of holy matrimony.

matrimony

/ ˈmætrɪmənɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being married
2. the ceremony or sacrament of marriage
3. 1. a card game in which the king and queen together are a winning combination
   2. such a combination

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrimony¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin mātrimōnium wedlock. See matri-, -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrimony¹

C14: via Norman French from Latin mātrimōnium wedlock, from māter mother

Example Sentences

Before you knew it, Beatrice and Nigel were united in the bonds of matrimony, sealed with a kiss.

From Literature

July 1, 2015 The Episcopal Church permits any couple the rite of matrimony.

From Seattle Times

And it’s not difficult to envision several schools seeking refuge in the Big 12, prompting the strangest of bedfellows to join together in unholy matrimony.

From Seattle Times

Trump is a political pervert: he’s perverted patriotism by jingoistically pairing it with Judaic-Christian theocracy, in an unholy matrimony.

From Salon

We’re talking, of course, about one of the most consequential mergers of our time, one that united two of the world’s most rabid fan bases in unholy internet matrimony: Taylor Swift and the N.F.L., via her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

From New York Times