matrimony

== English == === Etymology === From Old French matremoine, from Latin mātrimōnium (“marriage, wedlock”), from mātri(s) (“mother”) + -mōnium (“obligation”). By surface analysis, matri- +‎ -mony. Compare patrimony. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈmat.ɹɪ.mə.ni/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈmæt.ɹɪˌmoʊ.ni/ Hyphenation: mat‧ri‧mo‧ny === Noun === matrimony (countable and uncountable, plural matrimonies) (uncountable) Marriage; the state of being married. (countable) The ceremony of marriage. (uncountable) A particular solitaire card game using two decks of cards. (obsolete) A spouse. ==== Synonyms ==== (state of being married): marriage, wedlock (ceremony of marriage): wedding, nuptials ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === wedding === Further reading === Douglas Harper (2001–2026), “matrimony”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.