wedlock

noun

wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
Synonyms of wedlocknext
: the state of being married : marriage, matrimony
see also:
out of wedlock

Synonyms of wedlock

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Examples of wedlock in a Sentence

joined the happy couple in holy wedlock
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.
Fruit babies born out of wedlock are thus often the wrong variety of fruit. — Kat Tenbarge, Wired News, 25 Mar. 2026 Why would a woman struggling with finding housing have four kids out of wedlock? — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026 Born out of wedlock to a teenage mom, growing up under the oppressive cloud of segregation, confined to schools, sports facilities, movie theaters that were separate and unequal. — CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 Acknowledging that most civil law now permits legitimization after the fact, some jurisdictions still discriminate against a child born out of wedlock. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wedlock

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wedlok, from Old English wedlāc marriage bond, from wedd pledge + -lāc, suffix denoting activity

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wedlock was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing wedlock

Rhymes for wedlock

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Browse Nearby Words

wedgy
wedlock
Wednesday
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Cite this Entry

“Wedlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedlock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wedlock

noun
wed·​lock ˈwed-ˌläk How to pronounce wedlock (audio)
: the state of being married

More from Merriam-Webster on wedlock

Nglish: Translation of wedlock for Spanish Speakers

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