dowry
DOW-uh-ree
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.”
noun
1
Money or property a bride's family traditionally gives to the groom at marriage.
"Her family paid a large dowry when she married."
"In some cultures a dowry is still expected before a wedding can take place."
2
A natural talent or gift someone is born with.
"His musical dowry was obvious from an early age."
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.
Common mistake
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pay a dowry
dowry system
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dowry.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dowries
- Third person singular
- dowries
- Past tense
- dowried
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
View more →Related words
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.
