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.
To her, romance and courtship isn’t just ambient but invasive, robbing her of friends — both in the sense that men can’t seem to leave things platonic, while women either mock her or shun her in favor of a new date. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Each collection serves as its own ode to romance and courtship, explained Mackey. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 That courtship continued over the next year, with Spielberg finally agreeing to this new hands-on role after reading Fuchs’ latest script. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Pop star and Pennyworth actress Paloma Faith is channeling a Hollywood titan’s controversial past behavior amid her courtship with boyfriend Stevie Thomas. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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

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