noun
wedlock
WEHD-lok
Wedlock (noun) means the state of being legally married. Example: “The couple had two children born in wedlock.”
noun
1
The state of being legally married.
"The couple had two children born in wedlock."
"Nothing Jesus Christ more quemeth (pleaseth) Than love in wedlock where men it yemeth (keepeth);"
— William Henry Schofield, English Literature (1906)
How to use wedlock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, somewhat old-fashioned word for the married state.
When to use it
Mostly used in the set phrases "in wedlock" and "out of wedlock"; rarely used as a plain everyday word for marriage.
Common pairings
born out of wedlock
in wedlock
state of wedlock
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Word forms
- Plural
- wedlocks
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The couple had two children born in _____.
Etymology
From Old English wedlāc ("marriage vow, pledge") — built from wed plus an old suffix meaning "action" or "practice," seen also in "knowledge".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “wedlock” mean?
The word “wedlock” means the state of being legally married. In plain terms, a formal, somewhat old-fashioned word for the married state.
How do you pronounce “wedlock”?
“Wedlock” is pronounced WEHD-lok (/ˈwɛd.lɒk/ in IPA).
How do you use “wedlock” in a sentence?
Here is “wedlock” used in a sentence: “The couple had two children born in wedlock.”
What part of speech is “wedlock”?
“Wedlock” is a noun.
Where does the word “wedlock” come from?
The word “wedlock” comes from Old English. From Old English wedlāc ("marriage vow, pledge") — built from wed plus an old suffix meaning "action" or "practice," seen also in "knowledge".
