courtship

noun

court·​ship ˈkȯrt-ˌship How to pronounce courtship (audio)
Synonyms of courtshipnext
: the act, process, or period of courting

Synonyms of courtship

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Examples of courtship in a Sentence

They had a two-year courtship before marrying. The male of the species often displays aggression during courtship. the President's courtship of middle-class voters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The majority of guests are couples of all ages who, if not actively participating in a courtship ritual are on a romantic getaway. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 The Army's courtship of gamers is not a new military strategy. — Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Early on in their courtship, Buddy took Gloria out on a ride over the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 Kiefer, who started as the restaurant’s lawyer, told me, referring to a category of upscale hangouts, decorated with potted plants and Tiffany lamps, that were meant to facilitate yuppie courtship. — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courtship

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of courtship was in 1596

Rhymes for courtship

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Browse Nearby Words

courts baron
courtship
court shoe
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Cite this Entry

“Courtship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courtship. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

courtship

noun
court·​ship -ˌship How to pronounce courtship (audio)
: the act or process of courting

More from Merriam-Webster on courtship

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about courtship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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