What does cuckolded mean?
To be cuckolded is to have been betrayed by a spouse or partner through sexual infidelity, most traditionally describing a husband whose wife has been unfaithful. The word derives from the verb 'cuckold,' which itself traces back to the cuckoo, a bird known for laying its eggs in other birds' nests — a natural image of deception that medieval writers seized upon. Historically, the term carried intense social stigma, appearing constantly in literature from Shakespearean comedy to Restoration drama, where jealous husbands were mocked as cuckolds. Today, 'cuckolded' retains its core meaning of sexual betrayal within marriage, though its register is largely literary, historical, or clinical rather than casual. It also appears in modern discussions of consensual alternative relationship arrangements, where the connotation differs markedly. Understanding this word illuminates centuries of literary humor, social history surrounding marriage and fidelity, and the enduring human preoccupation with trust between partners.
verb (past participle and past tense of 'cuckold')Having been cheated on by one's spouse or partner, typically a wife who has been unfaithful to her husband. As the past form of the verb 'cuckold,' it describes the act of making someone such a betrayed spouse.
- (of a man) having been betrayed sexually by his wife or female partner
- (figuratively, rare) having been deceived or supplanted in a position of trust
"In Shakespeare's comedies, jealous husbands are frequently cuckolded, much to the amusement of the audience."
"He discovered he had been cuckolded and demanded a divorce."
"The king feared being cuckolded by his ambitious courtiers."
The word comes from the cuckoo bird, which sneaks its eggs into other birds' nests — so a 'cuckold' is literally named after nature's most notorious home-wrecker.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cuckolded
'Cuckold' entered English in the Middle Ages, borrowed from Old French 'cucuault' or 'cocu,' derived ultimately from 'cucu,' meaning cuckoo. The connection rests on the cuckoo's habit of laying its eggs in other birds' nests, which made the bird a natural emblem of deception and usurpation. The term became widespread in English literature by the late Middle Ages and was especially prominent in Renaissance and Restoration comedy. Its derivative forms include 'cuckoldry' for the state of being cuckolded.
Related word forms
How cuckolded is actually used
The word carries a strongly negative, often humiliating connotation and can be considered offensive when used to mock someone's marital situation. It appears chiefly in literary, historical, and psychological contexts rather than everyday conversation. The verb 'cuckold' and its forms have gained additional currency in modern usage referring to consensual non-monogamy, where the term may carry different connotations.
Easily confused with cuckolded
A cuckoo is the bird whose habit of laying eggs in other birds' nests gave rise to the word 'cuckold'; being cuckolded refers to marital betrayal, while a cuckoo is simply the bird itself.