marriage

Universal Words noun 1 [C] the legal relationship between a husband and wife: a good / happy marriage * All of her children's marriages ended in divorce. * an arranged marriage (= one in which the parents choose a husband or wife for their child) * She has two children by a previous marriage. * This is his second marriage. seealsoMIXED 2 [U] the state of being married: They don't believe in marriage. * My parents are celebrating 30 years of marriage. 3 [C] the ceremony in which two people become husband and wife: Their marriage took place in a local church. HELPNOTE Wedding is more common in this meaning. IDIOMS by marriage when sb is related to you by marriage, they are married to sb in your family, or you are married to sb in their family: Jane and I are related by marriage. moreatHANDn.