to-be

adjective

tə-ˈbē How to pronounce to-be (audio)
: that is to be : future
—usually used postpositively and often in combination
a bride-to-be

Examples of to-be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Soon-to-be Cy Young Award winner Jacob Misiorowski held the Rays to just one run in his five innings, but certainly not without the help of some Rays baserunning blunders. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 New York — As a new mom-to-be, my social media feeds have clocked me — funneling endless videos my way about pregnancy, nursery prep and birth stories, to the point of baby information overload. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 This offseason, the Dodgers will also have to figure out what to do about their soon-to-be free agents, a group headlined by left-hander Tarik Skubal. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Leña, a steakhouse concept from three Michelin star chef Dani García—the soon-to-be legendary torta di rose sits top right. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for to-be

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of to-be was in 1594

Rhymes for to-be

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Browse Nearby Words

Tobas
to-be
to beat the band
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“To-be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to-be. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

to-be

adjective
tə-ˈbē
: that is to be : future
—often used in combination
a bride-to-be
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