bride price

or bride-price

noun

1. (in some nonindustrial societies) the money or goods given to the family of a bride by the bridegroom or his family.

bride price

noun

1. (in some societies) money, property, or services given by a bridegroom to the kinsmen of his bride in order to establish his rights over the woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of bride price¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

There’s a longstanding tradition in China of men paying a bride price to their future wife’s family.

From New York Times

Ms. Chan fears that when her parents find out, their demands for a bride price will ultimately prevail.

From New York Times

Like most Gazan grooms, he needed to pay a bride price, in his case about $3,500, to the bride’s parents.

From New York Times

Some pay the bride price, others opt to contribute to her livelihood.

From BBC

Unlike the king's other wives, her lobola, or bride price, of about 300 cattle was paid for by the Zulu nation, following a collection within communities.

From BBC