the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.

the state, condition, or relationship of being married; wedlock

a happy marriage.

the legal or religious ceremony that formalizes the decision of a man and woman to live as husband and wife, including the accompanying social festivities

to officiate at a marriage.

a relationship in which two people have pledged themselves to each other in the manner of a husband and wife, without legal sanction

trial marriage; homosexual marriage.

any close or intimate association or union

the marriage of words and music in a hit song.

a formal agreement between two companies or enterprises to combine operations, resources, etc., for mutual benefit; merger.

a blending or matching of different elements or components

The new lipstick is a beautiful marriage of fragrance and texture.

Cards . a meld of the king and queen of a suit, as in pinochle. Compare royal marriage .

a piece of antique furniture assembled from components of two or more authentic pieces.

Obsolete . the formal declaration or contract by which act a man and a woman join in wedlock.

noun

divorce , bachelorhood , celibacy , maidenhood.

noun

alliance , amalgamation , association , confederation , conjugality , connubiality , consortium , coupling , espousal , holy matrimony , link , match , mating , matrimony , merger , monogamy , nuptials , pledging , sacrament , spousal , tie , tie that binds , wedded bliss , wedded state , wedding , wedding bells , wedding ceremony , wedlock , bridal , nuptial , betrothed , connubial , espousals , monandry , monogyny , nuptial rites , union