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

Related Words

• destiny
• fate
• millennium
• outlook
• prospect