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 teenager Prince George looked all grown up on a rare mother-son outing with Princess Kate. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 29 June 2026 His strike — a soon-to-be-typical deft chip against Albacete — makes him, at the time, the youngest scorer in Barcelona’s history. — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 26 June 2026 In June 2026, the mom-to-be was spotted with a baby bump while out to lunch in Los Angeles. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 This led to some critical remarks from the soon-to-be Medal of Freedom recipient at his end-of-the-year media availability. — Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 27 June 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

See All Rhymes for to-be

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 7 Jul. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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