dowry
Dowry (noun) means Money or property a bride's family traditionally gives to the groom at marriage. Example: “Her family paid a large dowry when she married.”
How to use dowry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProperty or money given by a bride's family to the groom's family when they marry.
Don't confuse with "dower" (property a widow inherits from her husband) — dowry moves the other direction, from bride's side to groom's side.
Word forms
dowried past tense, dowries plural, dowries singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her family paid a large _____ when she married.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman dowarie, ultimately from Latin dos ("gift, dowry"); a doublet of "dower."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dowry
See all rhymes for dowry →Frequently asked questions
What does “dowry” mean?
The word “dowry” means money or property a bride's family traditionally gives to the groom at marriage. In plain terms, property or money given by a bride's family to the groom's family when they marry.
How do you pronounce “dowry”?
“Dowry” is pronounced DOW-uh-ree (/ˈdaʊəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “dowry” in a sentence?
Here is “dowry” used in a sentence: “Her family paid a large dowry when she married.”
What part of speech is “dowry”?
“Dowry” is a noun.
Where does the word “dowry” come from?
The word “dowry” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman dowarie, ultimately from Latin dos ("gift, dowry"); a doublet of "dower.".
Is “dowry” a common word?
“Dowry” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dowry” have?
“Dowry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: money or property a bride's family traditionally gives to the groom at marriage.