What does matrimony mean?
Matrimony is a formal word for marriage, referring both to the relationship between spouses and, sometimes, to the wedding ceremony that establishes it. It often suggests tradition, legal status, and the lasting responsibilities of married life, giving it a more ceremonial tone than the neutral everyday word marriage. Phrases such as enter into matrimony and holy matrimony are especially associated with religious or official language. The term is still used in wedding speeches, legal contexts, journalism, and discussions of family history, although it may sound old-fashioned in casual conversation. Matrimony is also useful when the emphasis is on marriage as an institution or formal union rather than simply on the personal experience of being married.
nounThe state of being married, or the ceremony and relationship of marriage. The word often has a formal, traditional, or legal tone.
- The state of being married.
- The ceremony or institution of marriage, especially when regarded formally or traditionally.
"The couple celebrated their matrimony with a small ceremony in the countryside."
"Their matrimony has endured through several decades of changing circumstances."
"The priest spoke about the responsibilities of matrimony before the couple exchanged vows."
The plural is used when referring to multiple marriages or marriage relationships.
"The novel traces the intertwined stories of several matrimonies across two generations."
Matrimony preserves an old idea of marriage as a union shaped by family, inheritance, and duty, not only by personal affection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does matrimony come from?
Matrimony comes through Old French matrimoine from Latin matrimonium, meaning marriage or a marriage contract. The Latin word is related to mater, meaning mother, and reflects the historical view of marriage as a family arrangement involving the transfer of property and family ties. Its relatives include matrimonial, maternity, maternal, and matrix, all belonging to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How matrimony is actually used
Matrimony is more formal and ceremonious than the everyday word marriage. It is common in legal, religious, and traditional contexts, but in ordinary conversation marriage is usually more natural.
Easily confused with matrimony
Matrimony means marriage, whereas maternity means the condition or experience of being a mother.