What does outmarriage mean?
Outmarriage means marriage between people who belong to different social, cultural, or community groups. It is commonly discussed in anthropology and the history of family systems, where it may be a customary way of forming alliances, strengthening ties between settlements, or avoiding marriage within a particular group. The related technical term exogamy is often used in academic writing. Although outmarriage can describe any marriage across group boundaries, it frequently implies that such unions are recognized as a social institution or customary practice rather than merely an individual choice. The word is less common in everyday speech than marriage or intermarriage, and its use usually carries an academic or historical tone.
nounA marriage between people from different social, cultural, or community groups. The term is especially used in anthropology and the study of marriage customs.
- Marriage between individuals belonging to different social, cultural, or community groups, often as an established social custom.
"The community's tradition of outmarriage allowed members to form alliances with neighboring families."
"The study examined how outmarriage strengthened alliances between the village and neighboring communities."
"Her account of outmarriage challenged the assumption that marriage always remained within a single kinship group."
The plural is used when referring to multiple customary marriages across group boundaries.
"The records document several outmarriages between members of the two clans."
Outmarriage turns marriage into a bridge between communities rather than a boundary within one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outmarriage come from?
Outmarriage was formed in English by combining the prefix out-, meaning beyond or outside, with marriage. Marriage itself entered English through Old French mariage and ultimately Latin, where it was associated with marital unions. The compound developed during the early modern period as writers described marriage practices that took place beyond the boundaries of a family, community, or social group.
Related word forms
How outmarriage is actually used
This is a specialized and relatively uncommon noun. Anthropologists may prefer the more technical term exogamy; in general usage, intermarriage can sometimes overlap with it but may carry broader social or legal connotations.
Easily confused with outmarriage
Outmarriage is the English term for the social custom itself, while exogamy is the more technical anthropological term for marriage between members of different groups.