traditional marriage

noun

1. Anthropology. the primary established form of marriage recognized in a given country or religious or social group at a given time:

   In that culture, traditional marriage requires the families of the future bride and groom to engage in ritual visits and exchange gifts.

2. marriage between one man and one woman (primarily used by opponents of same-sex marriage).

Word History and Origins

Origin of traditional marriage¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

That rules out the idea of a traditional marriage, since as I see it raising a family and living together are two of the most compelling reasons to get married.

From Washington Post

As a Congressman, I will always strongly support life and only support traditional marriage between one man and one woman.

From Washington Blade

“Traditionally, the Republican Party supports traditional marriage,” said Alice Stewart, a GOP strategist allied with Huckabee.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, those who preach the most about traditional marriage are the ones who are destroying it.

From The Daily Beast

And public opinion polls are even worse for ‘traditional marriage’ supporters.

From The Daily Beast

Much like “traditional marriage,” traditional masculinity is a compound of competing, conflicting ideals.

From The Daily Beast

The spat became a hot topic this summer when Liz stressed her support for traditional marriage to the Daily Caller.

From The Daily Beast